Lauren Price rules out Claressa Shields but hints at big 2027 fight

Welsh boxing star Lauren Price has confirmed that a high-profile showdown against American undisputed heavyweight champion Claressa Shields will not happen next. Instead, Price remains fully focused on her upcoming title defence against the Czech Republic's Michaela Kotaskova, scheduled for November 20 at Cardiff's Utilita Arena. The fight will be broadcast live on the BBC and marks Price's return to the ring following a gruelling title defence against Stephanie Pineiro in April.

Talks regarding a potential blockbuster fight between Price and Shields had previously gained momentum, especially after Shields was spotted watching Price's victory over Pineiro from ringside earlier this year. However, according to Price, negotiations ultimately collapsed because the terms heavily favored the American star. Price highlighted issues regarding financial compensation, the refusal to include a two-way location agreement or a rematch clause, and a general lack of balance in the proposed contract. As a unified welterweight champion and an Olympic gold medallist, Price stated that she must protect her career and refuse deals that do not make sense.

Despite stepping away from the Shields fight for now, Price has teased an alternative massive showdown in early 2027. While she has remained tight-lipped about the exact opponent, boxing analysts have previously linked her to other top-tier names, such as WBO welterweight titleholder Mikaela Mayer. Securing a bout with Mayer or another elite competitor would bring Price closer to her ultimate goal of becoming the undisputed champion at welterweight, further cementing her legacy in British and world boxing.

Her upcoming opponent, Michaela Kotaskova, presents a formidable hurdle in what will be only the eleventh professional fight of Price's career. Kotaskova boasts an impressive record, with her sole defeat coming via a hard-fought decision against Chantelle Cameron in London. Price acknowledges that she cannot afford to look past Kotaskova, emphasizing the need for absolute focus during their upcoming clash in Cardiff.

Looking beyond the immediate horizon, Price draws significant inspiration from trailblazers like Katie Taylor, harboring dreams of headlining massive stadium events in Wales and across Britain. She believes that women's boxing has reached a tipping point where major arena and stadium shows are entirely viable. By continuing to win and taking on the right challengers at the right time, Price hopes to elevate her platform and deliver historic nights of boxing for fans worldwide.