It's about to go down at State Farm Arena when Claressa Shields takes on Kaye Scott on Saturday, Aug. 15, as Shields makes her return to the middleweight division.
Shields' Atlanta debut already has plenty of attention surrounding it, but the action won't start when the opening bell rings. Atlanta rap star Latto is set to walk Shields out, bringing some hometown flavor to one of the biggest entrances of the night.
So, why Latto? Their connection didn't start with this fight.
Claressa Shields Explains Why She Chose Latto
During an interview with FightHype, Shields was asked about Latto and what made her want the rapper involved in her entrance.
“Me and Latto have a lot in common. We're some good-money girls,” Shields said. “And I've been a fan of hers, she's a fan of me.”
Shields added that they've “bumped into each other a couple times” before pointing to their friendship and the importance of having an Atlanta star involved in the moment.
“With the fight being here in Atlanta, I believe that friendships go a long way,” Shields said.
Then she summed up the decision perfectly: “Who bigger than Latto? Especially up in Atlanta.”
Shields and Latto's Connection Goes Beyond Fight Night
The relationship didn't begin with Saturday's walkout.
Latto referenced Shields and her relationship with Papoose on her song 'Gimme Dat' earlier this year, a shoutout Shields embraced publicly. The two were also photographed together at State Farm Arena on June 20 following the Atlanta Dream's game against the Indiana Fever.
Now they'll return to the same building with Shields as the main attraction.
For Shields, it's a chance to make her Atlanta debut, return to 160 pounds and put on a show against Scott. Having Latto alongside her gives the ring walk a hometown feel while bringing their growing friendship full circle on fight night.
