Claressa Shields will drop back down to middleweight to challenge WBC and WBA champion Kaye Scott on August 15 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, seeking to become undisputed at 160 pounds again.
Shields, 18-0, last competed at middleweight in June 2023 when she defended her titles against Maricela Cornejo. She will become the first female boxer to headline at the 16,888-capacity venue, which last hosted a boxing main event when Shakur Stevenson stopped Jamel Herring for the WBO junior-lightweight title in October 2021.
Scott, 5-1-1 and 42 years old from Sydney, Australia, claimed the middleweight titles from Olivia Curry in December. Despite being a significant underdog, she brings the belts Shields needs to add to her collection.
Shields framed the fight as part of a broader legacy mission.
At this point in my career, every fight is about legacy. Every fight now is about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible — for myself, for women’s boxing, and for the next generation coming behind me through Claressa Shields Promotions. Kaye Scott is a champion, and I respect what she’s accomplished. But becoming undisputed at 160 pounds again starts with beating the best. That’s always been my mindset. I don’t chase easy fights, I choose meaningful ones.