ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 16: Claressa Shields poses with Rapper Latto after defeating Kaye Scott of Australia with a sixth-round TKO during their WBC World & WBA World Female Middleweight Title bout at State Farm Arena on August 16, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA — Claressa Shields added another championship moment to her historic boxing career Saturday night, delivering a dominant performance against Kaye Scott at State Farm Arena in Atlanta to reclaim the WBA and WBC middleweight world titles.
Shields stopped the Australian champion in the sixth round, improving her undefeated professional record to 19-0 with four knockouts. Scott fell to 5-2-1 following the loss.
The August 15 showdown marked Shields’ return to the 160-pound middleweight division for the first time since 2023. She entered the fight after competing at heavyweight, where she became undisputed champion, and reportedly dropped 38 pounds during a 14-week training camp to make her return to middleweight.
Shields Takes Control in Atlanta
From the opening rounds, Shields used her speed, accuracy and combination punching to control the action. Scott continued to apply pressure, but Shields consistently found opportunities to connect to both the head and body.
The punishment eventually caught up with Scott in Round 6.
Shields connected with a powerful combination that sent Scott stumbling into the ropes, resulting in a knockdown. Scott was allowed to continue, but Shields immediately went back on the attack. With another series of punches landing, Scott’s corner threw in the towel to stop the fight at 1:38 of the sixth round.
The stoppage was especially significant for Shields, who is better known for dominating opponents over the distance. It was only the fourth knockout or stoppage victory of her professional career and her second stoppage in nine years.
Another Historic Night for Shields
The fight also marked a major moment for boxing in Atlanta, with Shields becoming the first woman to headline a boxing event at State Farm Arena. More than 16,000 fans were reportedly on hand for the event.
By defeating Scott, Shields once again became a world champion at middleweight while continuing to hold undisputed status at heavyweight. The accomplishment adds another chapter to a career that has already seen the two-time Olympic gold medalist capture championships across five weight divisions.
Could Lauren Price Be Next?
After taking care of business in Atlanta, attention quickly shifted toward what could be next for Shields.
One of the biggest possibilities is a showdown with undefeated British Olympic champion Lauren Price. Price currently holds major titles at welterweight and has expressed interest in moving up to 160 pounds for a potential fight with Shields.
Shields has also mentioned Tammara Thibeault as another potential opponent as she looks toward further unifying the middleweight division.
For now, Shields leaves Atlanta with two more championship belts, another stoppage victory and her perfect professional record intact.
FINAL RESULT: Claressa Shields defeats Kaye Scott by sixth-round TKO
RECORD: Shields improves to 19-0 (4 KOs)
TITLES WON: WBA & WBC Middleweight World Championships
LOCATION: State Farm Arena — Atlanta, Georgia
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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