Claressa Shields Makes a Statement in Atlanta With Dominant Win Over Kaye Scott

Atlanta was treated to a major night of boxing on August 15 as undefeated champion Claressa “GWOAT” Shields made history at State Farm Arena, becoming the first woman to headline a boxing event at the venue. More than 16,000 fans packed the arena to watch Shields take on Australia’s Kaye Scott for the WBC and WBA middleweight championships. 

Shields delivered exactly what her fans came to see. After controlling the fight with her speed, combinations and ring intelligence, she dropped Scott in the sixth round and continued the attack until Scott’s corner threw in the towel. The fight was officially stopped at 1:38 of the sixth round, giving Shields the TKO victory, the two world titles and improving her professional record to 19-0. It was also her first stoppage victory in two years. 

The undercard featured several impressive performances. Troy Isley remained undefeated with a unanimous-decision victory over Joseph Hicks. Ashleyanne Lozado dominated Paulette Cuesta by unanimous decision, while Bernice Ferreira captured the WBC super featherweight championship after Caroline Veyre was disqualified in the eighth round for excessive holding. Daniel Mercado also scored a first-round knockout earlier in the evening. 

And, as expected for a major Atlanta event, the celebrity turnout was impressive. Floyd Mayweather, Terence Crawford, Shakur Stevenson, Keyshawn Davis, Richardson Hitchins, Usher, Brandy, 2 Chainz, Lil Baby, Kevin Gates, Steve Harvey, Porsha Williams, Big Meech and Mo’Nique were among the stars spotted at the arena. Atlanta’s own Latto accompanied Shields during her ring walk, adding another major Atlanta entertainment moment to the evening. 

This felt bigger than just another boxing match—it was a true Atlanta sports and entertainment event, and Shields delivered the kind of performance that makes women’s boxing impossible to ignore.