Lauren Price rules out Claressa Shields fight and schedules bout against Michaela Kotaskova
Unified WBA, WBC and IBF welterweight champion Lauren Price has officially ruled out a near-term fight against Claressa Shields. According to BBC Sport, Price is preparing to defend her titles against Michaela Kotaskova in Cardiff on 20 November, stating that negotiations for a bout with Shields collapsed due to disagreements over financial terms, location, and the lack of a rematch clause. Price intends to pursue a major showdown early in the following year but is currently focused on her upcoming title defense.
Key points
- Lauren Price will defend her unified welterweight titles against Michaela Kotaskova on 20 November at Cardiff's Utilita Arena.
- Price confirmed that a fight against Claressa Shields is not happening for her next bout.
- Negotiations with Shields failed due to disputes over money, venue preferences, and the absence of a rematch clause, according to Price.
- Price is targeting a major fight early next year.
- Price has previously been linked to a potential bout with Mikaela Mayer.
What happened
Lauren Price has confirmed that a highly anticipated fight against Claressa Shields will not take place in the immediate future. BBC Sport reports that the unified WBA, WBC and IBF welterweight champion stated that while she remains interested in a future matchup, current negotiations have ended without an agreement.
Team or player details
Price is scheduled to face Czech boxer Michaela Kotaskova on 20 November at the Utilita Arena in Cardiff, in a bout shown live on the BBC. This marks Price's return to the ring following her title defense against Stephanie Pineiro in April. Kotaskova previously took Chantelle Cameron the distance in London, and Price has emphasized that she is focused on this upcoming challenge.
Regarding the failed Shields negotiations, BBC Sport reports Price cited several obstacles: the money was not ideal, she wanted to fight in America and Wales while Shields would not travel, and there was no rematch clause. Price noted that she feels no pressure to rush into the fight, stating she stands on her own as a unified champion.
What's next
Following her 20 November fight, Price plans to return to the ring early next year for a significant showdown. While she has ruled out Shields for now, she has previously been linked to a potential fight with Mikaela Mayer, who holds the WBO welterweight title.
Why it matters
The reported breakdown of negotiations between Price and Shields illustrates the financial and logistical hurdles that can stall high-profile boxing matchups. For Price, the immediate focus remains on her title defense in Cardiff.
What we know
- Lauren Price is the unified WBA, WBC and IBF welterweight champion, according to BBC Sport.
- Lauren Price is scheduled to fight Michaela Kotaskova on 20 November at Cardiff's Utilita Arena.
- Lauren Price stated that she has officially ruled out a fight against Claressa Shields for her next bout.
