Claressa Shields Stops Kaye Scott To Become The Unified Middleweight Champion Of The World

Claressa Shields Stops Kaye Scott To Become The Unified Middleweight Champion Of The World

Kaye Scott was tough, but ultimately outgunned by Claressa Shields in Atlanta, Georgia, on Saturday night.

Shields (19-0) added even more glitter to her incredible resume when she stopped the Australian in the 6th round to claim the WBC and WBA world middleweight titles. The American claimed her twenty-first world title and has put herself in line for some marquee fights down the line. At just 29, Shields is arguably not even at her peak yet. A frightening thought for her future opponents.

Scott (5-2-1) was true to her word and came to win. She didn’t come just to survive. Scott tried to fire back when Shields unleashed. But the 42-year-old didn’t have the hand speed or the power to live with the three-division undisputed world champion. In comparison to her opponent, Scott was a little stiff. Shields was a little more fluid in her technique. It always looked a tough ask, an impossible one even. And so it proved.

Shields started fast, and while the Australian soaked up plenty, the warning signs were evident. The American was patient. Her punches a little shorter than we have sometimes seen her in the past.

Scott was doing better than many expected, albeit without winning a round on my card. The taller fighter had fleeting success with her jab, and bravely stood her ground when Shields threatened to overwhelm her. But moments don’t win fights.

The finish came somewhat out of the blue in the 6th. A pair of stunning left hooks shook the defending champion to her boots. Shields, sensing the end was near, unleashed on her opponent. A right hand to the temple sent Scott stumbling to the ropes, and it was quite rightly ruled a knockdown.

Scott looked badly hurt, and the referee could have called the fight off right there and then. But when he gave Scott the benefit of the doubt, Shields quickly found the punches to prompt Scott’s corner to throw the towel in at the 1.38 point of the round.

Shields, who is still the reigning undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, can now look forward to the superfights she came down in weight for. The unified world welterweight champion Lauren Price could be next. But the likes of Mikaela Mayer and Tamm Thibeault are also in the frame to face Shields at some point in 2027.

Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/Salita Promotions