A potential showdown between Claressa Shields and Mikaela Mayer has the boxing world buzzing, with promoter Dmitriy Salita fueling the excitement. He claims the highly anticipated match-up is not only 'very realistic' but could be the 'biggest fight in women's boxing'!
Shields, a dominant force in the sport, is set to defend her undisputed world heavyweight titles against Franchon Crews Dezurn on February 22nd. This crucial bout could pave the way for an even more significant fight against fellow American star, Mayer.
But here's where it gets controversial—while Shields has her eyes on Mayer, she's 'way past' a rematch with Savannah Marshall. This statement has sparked debates among fans, as many believe the Shields-Marshall rivalry deserves another chapter.
Salita, who has promoted Shields since the early days of her professional career, is confident in her ability to move up and down in weight to make the biggest fights possible. He told Sky Sports, 'Assuming she's victorious, a Shields-Mayer fight is very realistic this year.'
Mayer, a three-division world champion, shares the promoter's enthusiasm. She expressed her desire for the fight, stating, 'Right now, it's me vs Claressa Shields. Let's give the world the greatest women's boxing match they've ever seen.'
The challenge lies in agreeing on a suitable weight class, as Mayer last fought at super-welterweight. However, Salita assures that this is not an insurmountable hurdle.
This potential fight has captured the attention of boxing enthusiasts worldwide, especially in the US and UK. Salita believes it's the type of fight that Claressa has consistently pursued throughout her career, and it could further solidify her status as a generational talent.
Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, signed an $8 million promotional contract with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records in November 2025. Salita admires her willingness to take risks and her star power, which has helped carry the sport forward.
He envisions a blend of traditional boxing storytelling with modern elements, stating, 'We build fighters through authentic narratives, digital engagement, music, culture, and deep community connection.'
The promoter's faith in Shields is evident, as he concludes, 'A young girl from Flint with a dream has reshaped the landscape of boxing, and we're just getting started.'
Will Shields and Mayer step into the ring together? And what does this mean for the future of women's boxing? The anticipation is building, and fans are eager to witness this potential blockbuster matchup.
