Claressa Shields: Who Are Five Potential Opponents For The New Women’s Unified Middleweight Champion

What is next for Claressa Shields?

Shields reclaimed the unified women’s middleweight title after stopping Kaye Scott in the sixth round in a main event bout at State Farm Arena.

Shields, one of the greatest of her era, has had one overarching issue throughout her career – she is too good. She stopped Nikki Adler to win the unified super middleweight title in her fourth fight. A couple of years later, she beat Christina Hammer to win the unified middleweight titles, and then, nearly four years ago, she beat her biggest career rival, Savannah Marshall, in her most competitive fight. She turned pro against Franchon Crews-Dezurn and then beat her earlier this year. In short, she has beaten all the quality fighters of her era.

With Shields, 19-0 (4 KOs), the argument is not about talent; it is always about who could be next. She is redefining a generation of women’s boxing, but she has been so dominant that she is awaiting her next rivalry.

So what is next? (Ranked in order of best to worst future fights)

Mikaela Mayer-Chantelle Cameron Winner

Why: The best fight

Mayer and Cameron will fight at 154 lbs. Yes, that isn’t at middleweight, but it’s a catchweight limit, or even the winner of that bout moving up to face Shields, which would be a true big fight. One criticism of Shields has been that she has fought at a weight that has limited competition; facing the winner of this bout would be a big step toward some of the best fights in the final act of her career.

If Mayer were to win, it would mark a reunion with her Olympic teammate from Team USA in 2016.

Tamm Thibeault

Why: The other middleweight champion

Thibeault won the other two titles in her fifth bout. Thibeault is a young pro, 6” tall and a southpaw, making her one of the most interesting future opponents for Shields, though it also seems unfair. The division’s lack of depth might force Thibeault into a Shields fight before she has had time to develop.

Cris Cyborg

Why: Former MMA champ, who Shields sparred with in the past

It isn’t your traditional great matchup, but Cyborg has a bit of history with Shields. The two sparred and had an online spat. The fight could sell, but with Cyborg being 41, it needs to happen sooner rather than later if it is going to happen.

Elia Carranza

Why: Coming off two good fights

Yes, Carranza lost and had a draw with 2020 U.S. Olympian Oshae Jones, but both fights were close. Carranza is an aggressive pressure fighter who would be an interesting opponent for Shields.

Olivia Curry

Why: Could steer Curry’s career in the right direction

Curry is one tough gal. She is a solid pressure fighter who has overachieved. She was set to fight Danielle Perkins before Perkins missed weight. Though no one would favor her against Shields, getting this fight would cement her place as an impactful women’s fighter of the era.

Lucas Ketelle

Lucas Ketelle is a boxing writer and podcaster who has appeared on various platforms throughout his career.

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