Mikaela Mayer is a welterweight world champion but she believes a super-fight with Claressa Shields, her former team-mate and the undisputed heavyweight champion, can be made.
Mayer and Shields were team-mates on the 2016 USA Olympic squad, with the former boxing at lightweight and the latter winning middleweight gold for a second time in Brazil.
After becoming a unified professional world champion at super-featherweight, Mayer moved through divisions to win the WBO welterweight title.
Shields has had a stellar unbeaten professional career, winning world championships at super-welter, middle, super-middle and most recently heavyweight.
She became the first undisputed heavyweight champion in women’s boxing when she beat Danielle Perkins in February.
Mayer told Sky Sports she wants to face Lauren Price to become undisputed champion, but will it be in Wales or the United States?
Nevertheless, Mayer believes that if she continues to move up in weight, and Shields comes back down, they can be matched in an unexpected all-American women’s super-fight.
“I’m not super big, now that I’ve settled into welterweight but I could go to 154lbs for the right fights,” Mayer told Sky Sports.
“I don’t want the easy path just to have more accolades. That’s not really what I’ve been about. I want the bigger fights with the names. Fights that people are interested in seeing.
“If Claressa gets down to 154lbs, I think that’s something that we’ve both discussed making happen.”
But steps towards it would have to be taken sooner rather than later. “I’m not going to hold my breath,” Mayer said.
“This is her third fight [coming up] at heavyweight now, that’s her decision, kudos to her, I have no problem with her doing that. But the longer she stays at heavyweight the more difficult I think it’s going to be to come down and I don’t know how long that’s going to take her or what her plans are.
“So again lots of moving parts but definitely a fight that I’d be willing to entertain.”
Mayer does know Shields well, from the professional circuit but especially their time together on the US amateur team.
Unified welterweight champion Price is targeting a future fight with pound-for-pound superstar Claressa Shields
“We’re the same height, I might be a tad taller than her actually,” Mayer reflected.
“She would definitely have the size on me but I’m pro. If I go to 154lbs to challenge someone like Claressa Shields, I’m going to be ready.
“I’m going to have my body ready and I’m going to do the proper things to move up to ’54 and be strong and competitive at that weight.”
Mayer added: “She’s fast too for that size. Most people at heavier weights like that aren’t as fast. So we may match each other there because I’m coming from the lighter weights I have the speed also. If she can get to 154lbs I think it will be a pretty evenly matched fight.
“It would be interesting because we do have history and we are friends, but ultimately we both want the big fights.
“Hopefully we can make money together and leave that fight still friends.”
Heavyweight world champion Shields discusses a potential future bout with welterweight world champion Price and what weights either of them would have to jump to
Shields’ team acknowledge that it’s a possibility.
Her promoter Dmitry Salita told Sky Sports: “Claressa has always shown a willingness to fight the best, regardless of the challenge or sacrifice.
“On July 26 in Detroit, she’s taking on light-heavyweight champion Lani Daniels in what will be the first defence of her undisputed heavyweight world title – making her the only current American heavyweight champion, male or female. She’ll be walking out to the ring with hip-hop icon Rick Ross, making it not just a fight, but a cultural moment.
“As for a potential super-fight with Mikaela Mayer, we’ve had some early, general discussions, and it’s certainly a possibility. Of course, weight would be a key factor in making that fight happen. And regardless of opponent Claressa loves the UK and has expressed interest in returning there – if the opportunity presents itself.”
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Bill Belichick’s UNC misses bowl eligibility after trick play by Duke
When Bill Belichick was introduced as UNC head coach 11 long months ago, he revealed, joked or lied that his first words as a child were "Beat Duke."His program fell short of that goal on Saturday, and the result is a disappointing season will officially end next weekend. The Tar Heels lost to Duke 32-25, pushing their record down to 4-7 and leaving them unable to reach bowl eligibility next week against NC State.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIt wasn't just any loss to their biggest rivals either. At home, UNC had come back from down 24-10 to take a 25-24 lead early in the fourth quarter. That remained the score until the final three minutes, when the Blue Devils lined up for a go-ahead field goal that would have given the Tar Heels the ball back with more than two minutes left and a […]
Washington Spirit vs. Gotham FC, NWSL Championship: Trinity Rodman’s status hangs over title match
Two star-studded teams in the Washington Spirit and Gotham FC will meet in San Jose for the NWSL Championship, a competitive match likely in store as each side chases their second league title, but the big question looms -- will Trinity Rodman play?The pair took contrasting roads to the NWSL Championship, the No. 2 seed Spirit advancing as the favorites in their matchups while Gotham played spoiler as the No. 8 seed, eliminating the runaway NWSL Shield winners in the Kansas City Current and last year's champions Orlando Pride. To describe this as a David vs. Goliath-type game would be a misnomer, though, Gotham have been inconsistent, but they won the Championship just two years ago and boast an MVP nominee in Esther Gonzalez.While Gonzalez and new Gotham recruict Jaedyn Shaw headline Juan Carlos Amoros' team, the attention will also […]
Bills RB Ty Johnson fined $10,777 for pelvic-thrust TD celebration in win over Bucs
The NFL has fined Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson $10,777 for "obscene gestures" as part of a crackdown on unsportsmanlike conduct. Johnson did a thrust-heavy celebration after scoring a go-ahead touchdown in the Bills' win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 11.With less than a minute left in the first half, Johnson broke away on third-and-5 to sprint 52 yards for the touchdown. To celebrate, Johnson grabbed his leg, seemingly pretending to have sustained an injury (à la the Kansas City Current's Lo'eau LaBonta), and fell before grinding his pelvis against the ground twice.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBuffalo went on to win the game, 44-32, behind a six-touchdown night from quarterback Josh Allen.The fine comes a couple of weeks after Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle was fined $14,491 for a similar celebration. Dowdle did "two pumps" (i.e., thrusted his pelvis twice) […]
Kyle Shanahan says Brandon Aiyuk’s guarantees were voided in July: ‘It takes a lot to get a contract voided’
The news that Brandon Aiyuk has likely played his last game for the San Francisco 49ers was a surprise on Friday, but the situation has apparently been simmering for months.Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan declined to say what specifically led to a falling out between team and player — there was a report of frustrations over Aiyuk failing to participate in team meetings and other activities — while claiming the contract battle was out of his hands:"I'm not going to get into the specifics of that. There were a number of things from July that, to me, is more of the business side, dealing with lawyers and stuff, and contracts. Stuff that is really not my area of expertise."Aiyuk has spent all season on the physically unable to perform list with a knee injury, which […]
Papers: Bayern Munich watching Konate’s contract situation
The top stories and transfer rumours from Sunday's newspapers...Premier LeagueBayern Munich are watching Ibrahima Konate's contact situation closely, with Liverpool putting pressure on the French defender to make a decision on his future, according to reports - Mail on Sunday. Sunderland's Wilson Isidor is weighing up his international allegiances ahead of next year's World Cup - Sun on Sunday. ChampionshipBirmingham City want to turn their £1.2bn new home into a lair for the Lionesses - by making Sarina Wiegman's side long-term tenants - Sun on Sunday. Scottish football Oscar Cortes could be set for an unexpected return to Rangers, with Sporting Gijon reportedly considering the possibility of cutting his loan short - Sunday Mail. Kevin Muscat's decision not to become the new Rangers manager has been rewarded with another Chinese Super League title - Sunday Mail. Spreaker This content is […]
What time is the Las Vegas Grand Prix 2025? How to watch tonight’s F1 race
Tonight will be a late night for Formula 1 drivers. F1 is hitting the Las Vegas Strip Circuit for the Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix tonight at 11 p.m. ET. While that time is on the late side for East Coast viewers. it'll give fans in Europe a chance to start their day with a race where McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will continue their battle for first place. (You can check out all the latest standings here.)Tonight's Las Vegas Grand Prix will air on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and F1 TV Pro. Here's everything you need to know about F1 this season, including how to watch this weekend's race, along with the full 2025 F1 grand prix schedule.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHow to watch the 2025 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix:Date: Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025Time: 11 p.m. ETTV channels: ESPN, ESPN DeportesStreaming: […]
Related
Bill Belichick’s UNC misses bowl eligibility after trick play by Duke
When Bill Belichick was introduced as UNC head coach 11 long months ago, he revealed, joked or lied that his first words as a child were "Beat Duke."His program fell short of that goal on Saturday, and the result is a disappointing season will officially end next weekend. The Tar Heels lost to Duke 32-25, pushing their record down to 4-7 and leaving them unable to reach bowl eligibility next week against NC State.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIt wasn't just any loss to their biggest rivals either. At home, UNC had come back from down 24-10 to take a 25-24 lead early in the fourth quarter. That remained the score until the final three minutes, when the Blue Devils lined up for a go-ahead field goal that would have given the Tar Heels the ball back with more than two minutes left and a […]
Washington Spirit vs. Gotham FC, NWSL Championship: Trinity Rodman’s status hangs over title match
Two star-studded teams in the Washington Spirit and Gotham FC will meet in San Jose for the NWSL Championship, a competitive match likely in store as each side chases their second league title, but the big question looms -- will Trinity Rodman play?The pair took contrasting roads to the NWSL Championship, the No. 2 seed Spirit advancing as the favorites in their matchups while Gotham played spoiler as the No. 8 seed, eliminating the runaway NWSL Shield winners in the Kansas City Current and last year's champions Orlando Pride. To describe this as a David vs. Goliath-type game would be a misnomer, though, Gotham have been inconsistent, but they won the Championship just two years ago and boast an MVP nominee in Esther Gonzalez.While Gonzalez and new Gotham recruict Jaedyn Shaw headline Juan Carlos Amoros' team, the attention will also […]
Bills RB Ty Johnson fined $10,777 for pelvic-thrust TD celebration in win over Bucs
The NFL has fined Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson $10,777 for "obscene gestures" as part of a crackdown on unsportsmanlike conduct. Johnson did a thrust-heavy celebration after scoring a go-ahead touchdown in the Bills' win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 11.With less than a minute left in the first half, Johnson broke away on third-and-5 to sprint 52 yards for the touchdown. To celebrate, Johnson grabbed his leg, seemingly pretending to have sustained an injury (à la the Kansas City Current's Lo'eau LaBonta), and fell before grinding his pelvis against the ground twice.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBuffalo went on to win the game, 44-32, behind a six-touchdown night from quarterback Josh Allen.The fine comes a couple of weeks after Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle was fined $14,491 for a similar celebration. Dowdle did "two pumps" (i.e., thrusted his pelvis twice) […]
Kyle Shanahan says Brandon Aiyuk’s guarantees were voided in July: ‘It takes a lot to get a contract voided’
The news that Brandon Aiyuk has likely played his last game for the San Francisco 49ers was a surprise on Friday, but the situation has apparently been simmering for months.Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan declined to say what specifically led to a falling out between team and player — there was a report of frustrations over Aiyuk failing to participate in team meetings and other activities — while claiming the contract battle was out of his hands:"I'm not going to get into the specifics of that. There were a number of things from July that, to me, is more of the business side, dealing with lawyers and stuff, and contracts. Stuff that is really not my area of expertise."Aiyuk has spent all season on the physically unable to perform list with a knee injury, which […]
Papers: Bayern Munich watching Konate’s contract situation
The top stories and transfer rumours from Sunday's newspapers...Premier LeagueBayern Munich are watching Ibrahima Konate's contact situation closely, with Liverpool putting pressure on the French defender to make a decision on his future, according to reports - Mail on Sunday. Sunderland's Wilson Isidor is weighing up his international allegiances ahead of next year's World Cup - Sun on Sunday. ChampionshipBirmingham City want to turn their £1.2bn new home into a lair for the Lionesses - by making Sarina Wiegman's side long-term tenants - Sun on Sunday. Scottish football Oscar Cortes could be set for an unexpected return to Rangers, with Sporting Gijon reportedly considering the possibility of cutting his loan short - Sunday Mail. Kevin Muscat's decision not to become the new Rangers manager has been rewarded with another Chinese Super League title - Sunday Mail. Spreaker This content is […]
What time is the Las Vegas Grand Prix 2025? How to watch tonight’s F1 race
Tonight will be a late night for Formula 1 drivers. F1 is hitting the Las Vegas Strip Circuit for the Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix tonight at 11 p.m. ET. While that time is on the late side for East Coast viewers. it'll give fans in Europe a chance to start their day with a race where McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will continue their battle for first place. (You can check out all the latest standings here.)Tonight's Las Vegas Grand Prix will air on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and F1 TV Pro. Here's everything you need to know about F1 this season, including how to watch this weekend's race, along with the full 2025 F1 grand prix schedule.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHow to watch the 2025 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix:Date: Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025Time: 11 p.m. ETTV channels: ESPN, ESPN DeportesStreaming: […]
Be the first to leave a comment