Claressa Shields stops Kaye Scott to reclaim world middleweight titles

Claressa Shields has reclaimed the WBC and WBA middleweight titles by securing a dominant sixth-round TKO victory over Kaye Scott at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Saturday night.

The undefeated fighter, who is also the current undisputed women’s heavyweight champion, dropped down three weight classes for the championship bout.

Fighting at 160 pounds for the first time since 2023, the world’s top-ranked pound-for-pound boxer looked exceptionally sharp throughout the contest.

Dramatic weight cut pays off

She revealed after the victory that returning to the middleweight limit required shedding an astonishing 38 pounds during her preparation.

“This was a really hard camp. I cut 38 pounds. I was at 198 pounds and got down to 160. This is the most disciplined I’ve been since the Olympics, I feel like.” Claressa Shields

Despite facing a resolute opponent in the 42-year-old defending champion, the challenger’s superior power and accuracy quickly dictated the pace.

Scott showed immense bravery by standing her ground and attempting to trade blows with the athlete widely known as “The GWOAT”.

Corner steps in after sixth-round onslaught

However, the titleholder sustained a significant welt on her forehead as early as the second round of her first title defence.

The decisive moment arrived in the sixth round when a ferocious left hook from the 19-0 star forced her opponent to take a standing count.

Sensing the end was near, the former undisputed 160-pound ruler unleashed a final barrage that prompted the opposing corner to throw in the towel.

The referee officially halted the contest at one minute and 38 seconds of the sixth round to crown a new champion.

Tactical approach secures historic status

“I was actually just trying to figure her out. She was stronger than what I thought.” Claressa Shields

“I knew that when we cut the weight that I cut that I didn’t want to exert too much early, so I was trying to make sure that I could get with her strength and not get caught with nothing crazy.” Claressa Shields

This victory adds another chapter to a remarkable career for the only woman to become an undisputed champion across three different weight classes.

Her recent heavyweight campaign included a unanimous decision victory over Franchon Crews-Dezurn in February, further highlighting her extraordinary versatility in the ring.