ATLANTA — Claressa “T-Rex” Shields will bring her undisputed legacy and rising crossover appeal to Atlanta this summer as she headlines a major championship boxing event at State Farm Arena on Saturday, August 15. The fight will stream live worldwide on DAZN at 9 p.m. ET and marks Shields’ first appearance fighting in Atlanta.
Shields (18-0, 3 KOs), widely regarded as the most decorated woman in boxing history, returns to the middleweight division to face unified WBC and WBA champion Kaye Scott (5-1-1) in a high-stakes title bout. A two-time Olympic gold medalist and multi-division world champion, Shields has already become the first boxer in the four-belt era, male or female, to become undisputed champion in three weight classes.
The event marks a milestone for women’s boxing, becoming the first women’s headlining fight ever hosted at State Farm Arena and the venue’s first championship boxing event since 2019. It is being promoted as both a sporting and cultural moment for the sport’s continued global growth.
Shields said the fight represents another step in her evolving legacy.
“At this point in my career, every fight is about legacy,” Shields said. “Every fight now is about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for myself, for women’s boxing, and for the next generation coming behind me through Claressa Shields Promotions.”
She also emphasized the challenge ahead and the importance of meaningful competition.
“Kaye Scott is a champion, and I respect what she’s accomplished. But becoming undisputed at 160 pounds again starts with beating the best. That’s always been my mindset. I don’t chase easy fights, I choose meaningful ones.”
Looking ahead to Atlanta, Shields framed the event as both a competitive and cultural opportunity.
“Atlanta represents a huge opportunity. We’ve shown what women’s boxing can do in Detroit. We’ve sold out arenas and created moments people remember. Now it’s time to bring that same energy to Atlanta. This isn’t just about a championship fight. It’s about building an event, growing the sport, and giving fans an experience they’ll never forget.”
Scott enters the bout as a unified champion and says she is ready for the biggest stage of her career.
“I’ve dedicated my life to the sport of boxing, achieving success with the Australian National Team and as a professional,” Scott said. “I’m extremely proud to defend my WBC and WBA world title belts against Claressa Shields. I believe the bigger the challenge, the bigger the opportunity.”
Scott added that she is prepared for the moment and confident in her ability to perform at the highest level.
“I’m in the best shape of my life and ready to test myself against the very best. I’m excited, motivated and prepared to step into that ring and prove that I am the best middleweight in the world.”
Promoter Dmitriy Salita described the bout as a defining moment for Shields and for the sport.
“Every Claressa Shields event marks a milestone in her career, but this one is different, this one is special,” Salita said.
State Farm Arena executive vice president Trey Feazell called the matchup an elite pairing of champions.
“We’re proud to welcome Claressa Shields and Kaye Scott to State Farm Arena for one of the most anticipated matches of the year,” Feazell said.
Wynn Records CEO Ruben Branson added that the event reflects Shields’ growing cultural influence beyond boxing.
“Atlanta represents a natural next chapter for Shields, whose appeal has increasingly transcended boxing,” Branson said.
Claressa Shields was recently in State Farm Arena and spoke with Renee Montgomery, Atlanta Dream Owner, saying that she would be fighting in the arena and that the announcement would be made this week. Fans can probably expect that the members of the Atlanta Dream will return the favor and be front row for this historic event.
