Shields vs Price talks ongoing - 'Our intention is to make the fight!'

Claressa Shields became world middleweight champion for a third time after a sixth-round stoppage of Kaye Scott in Atlanta; promoter Dmitriy Salita says talks are 'ongoing' for Shields to face Lauren Price who is a unified world welterweight champion and a fellow Olympic gold medallist

Negotiations for a Claressa Shields vs Lauren Price fight are ongoing after the American star reclaimed two world middleweight titles on Saturday.

Shields took back WBC and WBA belts with a ruthless sixth-round stoppage of Kaye Scott as the unbeaten Michigan fighter became a middleweight world champion for a third time.

Price, the unified welterweight champion, could be the next opponent for Shields and the American's promoter Dmitriy Salita is keen to finalise terms for a battle between two Olympic gold medallists.

"Our intention is to make the fight. Based on my understanding, we have agreed to all the requests from [Price's promotional team] BOXXER and Lauren's side.

"I invited Lauren and her team to the fight because my relationship with the fighters we promote, and certainly with Claressa, is that they know all the moving parts and are business partners in making these decisions.

"I wanted Lauren and Claressa to have an opportunity to sit down together and see if there was anything outstanding. Claressa is extremely intelligent and very experienced in making big fights, and I'm sure Lauren is sharp as well.

"Unfortunately, they weren't able to make it, but the conversations are ongoing and we want to make the fight."

Congrats to tha CHAMP, @Claressashields ‼️ Gotta respect the eyes she brought to the sport tonight. …If you have trouble getting Lauren Price fight (like I have), I’m here for the next rumble. #MayerCameron then #ShieldsMayer sounds good for the sport. 🥊 🔥

Shields has also been linked with a fight against WBO and IBF world middleweight champion Tamm Thibeault and fellow American Mikaela Mayer, who faces Chantelle Cameron in a unified world super-welterweight title fight in Birmingham on August 29, live on Sky Sports.

"Claressa wants to fight the best and be part of the biggest, most impactful events - that's always been clear," said Salita.

"There are a few other conversations taking place in case the Lauren Price fight doesn't come together.

"We'll make a decision soon, but whatever is next, the goal is for it to be another legacy-making moment for Claressa and for boxing."

Shields attracted a huge crowd to State Farm Arena in Atlanta, including some of the biggest names in boxing and music, and Salita believes his fighter's reputation has transcended sport.