Claressa Shields and Mikaela Mayer Super-Fight Possible in 2026

A potential super-fight between Claressa Shields and Mikaela Mayer is being called the 'biggest fight in women's boxing' by promoters. This matchup could happen as early as 2026.
By Newsroom | Boxing, Womens Sports |

The Stakes of a Champion's Showdown

The women's boxing world is buzzing with talk of a potential super-fight between two of its biggest stars: Claressa Shields and Mikaela Mayer. Promoters and observers are calling this matchup "very realistic" and, quite possibly, the "biggest fight in women's boxing." Such a bout would bring together multi-weight world champions, promising a high-stakes contest that could significantly elevate the sport's profile. The possibility of this fight hangs in the balance, dependent on the outcomes of upcoming bouts and strategic negotiations.

A Look at the Key Figures

Claressa Shields: A celebrated undefeated professional with 17 wins, Shields is a five-weight world champion. She holds undisputed titles in the heavyweight division and has also claimed championships in the super-welterweight, middleweight, and super-middleweight classes. Shields recently signed a deal for at least four bouts, offering flexibility to engage in crossover fights. She has expressed a desire to retire from boxing at the age of 38.

Read More: Claressa Shields Signs $8 Million Boxing Contract with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records on November 7, 2025

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Mikaela Mayer: A former Olympic teammate of Shields, Mayer is also a world champion, having secured unified titles in the super-welterweight division. She has held world titles in three weight classes and is currently the WBO welterweight world titlist. Mayer has shown a willingness to move up in weight and has been vocal about the potential for a super-fight with Shields.

Timeline of Discussions and Developments

  • February 2026: Promoter Dmitriy Salita states that a fight between Shields and Mayer is "very realistic" and could be the "biggest fight in women's boxing." This follows Shields' successful defense of her undisputed world heavyweight titles against Franchon Crews Dezurn.

  • November 2025: Shields, who is 30 years old and undefeated, signs a deal for at least four bouts. This agreement allows her to talk with outside promoters for crossover fights. In an interview, Shields suggests a bout with Mikaela Mayer, who recently won at 151 pounds.

  • November 2025: Reports indicate Shields' new deal provides financial backing and flexibility. Shields had previously won her heavyweight titles by unanimous decision.

  • June 2025: Mikaela Mayer discusses how an "all-American super-fight" with Claressa Shields could be arranged. Mayer, a welterweight champion, and Shields, the undisputed heavyweight champion, are former teammates. Mayer outlines how a match between them might be structured, with Shields' team acknowledging the possibility.

  • April 2025: Lauren Price expresses interest in a "super-fight" with Claressa Shields, stating it would be the "biggest fight" and the "best fight out there" due to their combined accolades. Price believes her speed and technical skills could offer an advantage over Shields' power and aggression.

A primary challenge in staging a Shields vs. Mayer fight is the difference in their current weight classes. Claressa Shields is the undisputed heavyweight champion, while Mikaela Mayer holds titles at welterweight and has recently competed at super-welterweight.

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  • Shields' Path: To meet Mayer, Shields would likely need to move down in weight, potentially from heavyweight to middleweight or super-welterweight, divisions where she has previously held championships.

  • Mayer's Path: Mayer might need to continue moving up in weight to meet Shields at a mutually agreeable catchweight or a division where Shields is more comfortable.

Promotional Perspectives and Hurdles

The prospect of a Shields vs. Mayer fight is being actively discussed by promoters, who see immense commercial and sporting value.

  • Salita Promotions: Dmitriy Salita, Shields' promoter, has openly championed the fight, deeming it "very realistic" and a potential record-breaker for women's boxing.

  • Promotional Flexibility: Shields' new contract includes provisions for crossover fights, suggesting an openness to facing opponents outside her immediate promotional stable.

  • Existing Contracts: The details of both fighters' current promotional agreements would need careful consideration to ensure the fight can be sanctioned and promoted effectively.

Expert and Promoter Insights

Promoter Dmitriy Salita views the matchup as a significant event:

Read More: Why Tyson Fury is training alone for his comeback fight on April 11

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"Claressa Shields vs Mikaela Mayer 'very realistic' and is 'biggest fight in women's boxing' says promoter Dmitriy Salita."

He further elaborates on the potential:

"If the five-weight world champion emerges victorious, she would be open to a fight against fellow America Mayer, who has claimed world titles in three divisions."

Mikaela Mayer has also weighed in on the feasibility of the bout:

"Mikaela Mayer reveals how all-American super-fight with Claressa Shields could be made."

She believes the match can be made and describes it as an "unexpected all-American women's super-fight."

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Conclusion: The Path to a Potential Showstopper

The proposed fight between Claressa Shields and Mikaela Mayer represents a significant opportunity for women's boxing. With both fighters being decorated champions and former teammates, the narrative is compelling. Promoters, including Dmitriy Salita, are actively positioning the bout as a major event. Key factors influencing the fight's realization include:

  • Weight Class Adjustments: Both fighters would need to make significant weight adjustments.

  • Promotional Agreements: Navigating contracts and securing broadcasting partners will be crucial.

  • Performance in Upcoming Bouts: Shields' defense against Franchon Crews Dezurn and Mayer's recent title win are relevant benchmarks.

While discussions are ongoing and positive, the precise timing and conditions for a Shields vs. Mayer fight remain subject to further negotiation and athletic performance.

Sources:

Note: The provided data includes articles published on various dates in 2025 and early 2026, discussing potential future events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is a boxing match between Claressa Shields and Mikaela Mayer likely to happen?
Yes, promoters like Dmitriy Salita say a fight between Shields and Mayer is 'very realistic' and could be the 'biggest fight in women's boxing'.
Q: When might the Claressa Shields vs. Mikaela Mayer fight happen?
Promoters are discussing this fight as a possibility for 2026, following recent contract signings and wins for both boxers.
Q: Why would a fight between Shields and Mayer be so important?
Both are world champions and former Olympic teammates. A win could greatly increase the popularity and profile of women's boxing.
Q: What are the main challenges for a Shields vs. Mayer fight?
The biggest challenge is the difference in their weight classes, as Shields is a heavyweight champion and Mayer fights at welterweight. Both would likely need to change their weight.
Q: What have Shields and Mayer said about fighting each other?
Mikaela Mayer has discussed how an 'all-American super-fight' could be made. Claressa Shields' new contract allows for crossover fights, and she has mentioned Mayer as a potential opponent.