Kaye Scott believes Claressa Shields’ return to the middleweight division gives the undisputed champion another challenge to overcome as the pair prepare to collide in Atlanta on August 15.
World Boxing News spoke exclusively to Scott ahead of the biggest fight of her career, with the unified WBC and WBA middleweight champion explaining why she believes the weight cut is another factor Shields must deal with before fight night.
Although Scott expects Shields to make the weight without problem, she believes returning from heavyweight is not something that should be overlooked.
Kaye Scott Speaks to WBN
“To be honest, Shields never weighed in exceptionally heavy when she was in the heavyweight division,” Scott told WBN.
“I don’t think the weight cut is an extremely hard task for her. She’s a natural middle, not a heavy.
“However, it’s definitely another area that she has to worry about in camp.”
Scott says she has no such concerns as she prepares to defend her own titles.
“I don’t do any weight cut at middle. I love being able to focus solely on my skills, fitness and sparring without the added pressure and distraction of weight cutting.”
Scott is defending her own territory against one of boxing’s greatest fighters, who returns to middleweight after almost two years campaigning at higher weights.
Whether the move back down has any effect will only become clear on fight night.
First To Beat Claressa Shields
Scott knows exactly what is at stake if she can end one of boxing’s longest unbeaten runs.
“Claressa has set the standard in women’s boxing for a long time, so to become the first person to beat her would be incredibly special.
“It would obviously be a career-defining moment.
“Records are there to be challenged. When you back yourself and believe, the impossible to everyone else can happen.”
Scott gets the opportunity to test that belief next week when she attempts to become the first fighter in pro boxing to defeat Claressa Shields.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a BWAA-acknowledged boxing news website founded in 2010. A veteran boxing reporter with 16 years of experience, he has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside from major events. His work is published worldwide through WBN and distributed on platforms including Apple News.
Read Phil Jay’s full bio and latest stories.
