Lauren Price v Stephanie Pineiro: Price beats Pineiro & hints at Claressa Shields fight for end of 2026

Bloody Lauren Price dug deep to beat Stephanie Pineiro on points to retain her heavyweight world title in Cardiff before calling for a future fight with Claressa Shields.

The 31-year-old had a terrifying score against the previously unbeaten Puerto Rican in the fifth round.

Price rallied to fight until the final bell and was rewarded with a unanimous decision on the scorecards.

After the fight, American Shields, who has 15 world championships in five weight classes, stepped into the ring to confront Price.

“This girl standing in front of me is one of the best in the game,” Price said.

“We all need dance partners, we both have Olympic gold medals, let’s do it.

“That’s why I’m in the game, I want to fight the best. Credit to Sheilds – I respect him – but I’m backing myself!”

Shields said the location of any fight would need to be discussed, but hinted at a meeting between the two stars at the end of 2026, saying the bout would take place at middleweight.

“When you become an Olympic champion, you become a special fighter,” Sheilds said.

“You and I talked online and you can make it happen, you did great tonight.

“I mean no disrespect to you, you have some time. I have one more fight and then we can fight at the end of the year.”

Price has often spoken of staging a future clash at the 33,000-seat Cardiff City Stadium or the Principality Stadium, which can seat almost 80,000 fans.

In Shields, Price may face an opponent worthy of such a move up the pitch.

Shields, also 31, currently holds the IBF, WBC, WBF and WBO heavyweight world titles and has a professional fight record of 18-0.