Women’s boxing is set for a huge summer, capped off by Claressa Shields’ return to the ring when she fights Kaye Scott. But the number one pound-for-pound fighter will be dropping down from heavyweight to middleweight, as she makes her return to 160 pounds.

Although she has previously held gold at light middleweight, middleweight, and super middleweight, Shields last fought at 160 lbs in June 2023, when she beat Maricela Cornejo by unanimous decision. She then made the move to heavyweight in July 2024, where she has continued her undefeated streak.

Following her victory against Franchon Crews-Dezurn in February, a bout against Lauren Price seemed to be on the cards. The pair squared off in the ring after the Briton defeated Stephanie Piñeiro in Cardiff, but a contest was never confirmed.

Shields to have too much quality for Scott

Scott might not have the same résumé as Price, but she could still pose questions for Shields. An amateur boxer with a record of 47-26, the Australian is vastly experienced and has impressed since turning pro, capturing the WBC middleweight belt in her seventh fight.

‘Glamour’ now has a professional record of 5-1-1, but at 42, there are questions regarding whether she will be able to contend with Shields. The American is in her prime, will have better conditioning, and after contending at heavyweight, will be able to pack more power into her punches while absorbing the damage that comes her way.

She is regarded as a heavy favorite, which means that those looking to bet on the main event might need to also include other fights further down the card. For those interested in building a betting slip,
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Can Shields readjust to fighting at middleweight?

Although the odds might heavily favor Shields going into the fight against Scott, there might be some who are concerned about the weight adjustment. She will be dropping three weight classes and 15 pounds for her upcoming fight, as she seeks to build her legacy as the most decorated female boxer.

It was almost six months ago when Shields was stepping into the ring at 174 lbs, and whether she can drop down to middleweight for the first time in three years without the cut sapping her energy and power will be interesting to see. Of course, it is nothing new for her, but it could be a challenge prior to the fight and potentially during the contest if it goes into later rounds.

Price fight to follow?

Of course, if Shields does manage to recapture middleweight gold, then fans will start to wonder what might be next for her. And there is an expectation that she will be fighting Price next.

In April, promoter Ben Shalom said that the Olympic champion would return to action in the summer before signing a two-fight deal to face Shields. He added that Price’s most natural weight is middleweight, with Price planning to move up to 154 pounds before then making the jump to 160 to face Shields.

Both women are seemingly using their next fights as warm-ups for what seems to be a near-certain contest. And if each of them can adjust and readjust effectively, that bodes well for what should be a thrilling evening of boxing.