Shields Reclaims WBC and WBA Titles with Sixth-Round TKO of Kaye Scott

Claressa Shields secured a dominant sixth-round TKO victory over Kaye Scott to capture the WBC and WBA middleweight championships in Atlanta.

Claressa Shields (19-0, 4 KOs) reclaimed the WBC and WBA middleweight championships on Saturday night at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, defeating Kaye Scott via technical knockout at the 1:38 mark of the sixth round. The referee halted the contest after Scott’s corner threw in the towel following a significant left hook that sent the 42-year-old champion stumbling against the ropes. Shields, who entered the ring as ESPN’s No. 1 pound-for-pound women’s boxer, dominated the action from the outset, inflicting a large welt on Scott's forehead by the start of the second round.

Weight Cut and Performance Metrics

To compete in this 160-pound title bout, Shields dropped 38 pounds, moving down three weight classes from her previous position as the undisputed heavyweight champion. She entered camp at 198 pounds to prepare for her first middleweight appearance since 2023. Despite the drastic weight loss, Shields maintained her accuracy against Scott (5-2-1), who was attempting her first title defense. The victory marks a successful return to the division where Shields previously held undisputed status before moving up to 175 pounds.

Shields noted that she intentionally managed her energy levels during the early rounds, stating she did not want to exert too much force immediately due to the difference in her strength compared to the heavyweight limit. She described the training camp as her most disciplined effort since her time in the Olympics. During the fight, Scott attempted to engage in exchanges, but Shields utilized a hellacious left hook in the sixth to force a standing count and ultimately end the match.

Historical Context and Career Statistics

This victory reinforces Shields' standing as the only female boxer to achieve undisputed status across three separate weight classes, having previously cleared out the junior middleweight and middleweight divisions. Her recent resume includes a unanimous decision victory over Franchon Crews-Dezurn in February. Before returning to the 160-pound limit, Shields had spent her four most recent fights competing in the heavyweight division.

Following the TKO win, Shields identified her next potential targets to further unify the middleweight ranks. She specifically called out Tamm Thibeault, the current holder of the WBO and IBF middleweight belts, as well as unified welterweight champion Lauren Price. Shields acknowledged Scott's physical power during the post-fight interview, admitting the champion was stronger than she had initially anticipated.

Fight Culmination at State Farm Arena

The bout concluded when Scott’s legs became visibly unstable under the pressure of Shields' finishing flurry. The 1:38 stoppage in the sixth round prevented further damage to Scott, who had struggled to contend with the challenger's speed and precision after the second-round injury to her forehead. Shields now looks to consolidate the remaining middleweight hardware to once again become the undisputed queen of the 160-pound division.