Claressa Shields looks to become middleweight world champion again when she challenges unified WBC and WBA titlist, Kaye Scott in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday.
Shields (18-0, 3 KOs) clashes with Scott (5-1-1) at the State Farm Arena, with the bout broadcast worldwide on DAZN.
Shields’ reign as the pound-for-pound number one of the sport shows no signs of relenting.
The 31-year-old retained her undisputed heavyweight crown, winning every round in a rematch with Franchon Crews Dezurn in February, to take her undefeated record to 18 straight victories.
The five-weight world champion has already won the undisputed middleweight crown on two occasions and the ‘GWOAT’ moves down two weight classes in a bid to regain two of the world titles she previously held.
Scott was held to a draw with Olivia Curry in a second bid to become a world champion last September, before overcoming her rival in an immediate rematch in December.
The 42-year-old Australian fights for just the eighth time as a professional and the winner will likely look to set up an undisputed title clash with unified IBF and WBO champion, Tammara Thibeault.
Prediction: Shields has far too much experience and ability for Scott and can become middleweight champion again with a clear points victory.
Mercardo meets Tagoe
Big-punching super lightweight, Ernesto Mercado faces the experienced Emmanuel Tagoe.
Mercado (19-0, 18 KOs), unbeaten in 19 professional bouts, is closing in on a world title shot, ranked at four with the WBO behind world champion, Shakur Stevenson.
Tagoe (34-2, 16 KOs) has won two on the spin since losing comfortably on the scorecards to Ryan Garcia in 2022.
Prediction: Mercado can retain his WBO International title with a stoppage win.
Isley returns
Middleweight Troy Isley is back in action and the ‘Transformer’ tackles Joseph Hicks.
Isley (16-0, 6 KOs) isn’t far off world title contention himself, ranked in the top 10 of the WBC behind champion, Carlos Adames.
Hicks (12-1, 7 KOs) bounced back from a sole professional defeat to Wendy Toussaint by moving up to 160 pounds to outpoint Todd Manuel in February.
Prediction: Isley should win by decision.
Remaining Undercard
Caroline Veyre (11-1) can defend her WBC super featherweight title and capture the IBO strap from Bernice Ferreira (10-0, 4 KOs) on points.
Philadelphia’s light heavyweight hope, Atif Olberton (16-0, 14 KOs) should see off former world title challenger, Roamer Alexis Angulo (29-4, 24 KOs) inside the distance.
Also at light heavyweight, former Shields rival, Danielle Perkins (6-1, 3 KOs) should edge past the aforementioned Olivia Curry (7-3-2, 2 KOs).
Super middleweight, Da’Velle Smith (14-0, 9 KOs) should remain undefeated by handing Hakim Lopez (16-1, 9 KOs) a first stoppage defeat, while Shannel Butler (8-0, 3 KOs) should overcome the durable Marianela Soledad Ramirez (14-11-2, 7 KOs) over the distance.
In a battle of unbeaten super welterweights, Jaquan McElroy (7-0, 2 KOs) should have enough to see off Alexander Thiel (5-0, 2 KOs) on points and Casey Dixon (7-0, 5 KOs) can do the same against Michael Nelson (4-3-1, 2 KOs) at super middleweight.
Daniel Mercado (1-0, 1 KO), the younger brother of Ernesto, can secure a second professional win with another knockout this time of Rahmel McKinley (1-4).
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