State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Hosted by Salita Promotions
Undisputed heavyweight champion Claressa Shields (18-0, 3 KOs) headlines the first women’s main event in State Farm Arena history. Shields is moving down to middleweight to challenge unified WBC/WBA champion Kaye Scott. It will be streamed on DAZN.
The Co-Main Event:
Paulette “La Heredera” Cuesta (19-5-1, 4 KOs) of Mexico vs. Ashleyann “La Maquina” Lozada (4-0, 1 KO) of Puerto Rico.
Why the Matchup is an Important Career Fight
Cuesta has lost three world-title bids, all on the road. This was problematic and is being rectified by her new management, Ilker Furat and 12 Raund Sports. She has already had a victory against her last opponent under her new management. A win on this DAZN platform, in front of the crossover audience Shields draws, puts Cuesta back in title contention. If she secures a win, it absolutely proves the new partnership is working.
During a bout in 1993, Narciso “Chicho” Valenzuela, was the first boxer to knock down Oscar De La Hoya in 1993. That boxer is Paulette’s father. This family legacy is a part of what fuels Cuesta. In regards to Lozada, she is Puerto Rico’s first female Olympian. If she secures the victory over Cuesta, it will be the biggest win of her career. She could take the fast road to being a title shot contender.
Training and Styles
Cuesta is an athlete who has captured endurance over power. This is evident by just 4 KOs in 25 fights. Camp likely focuses on conditioning to sustain that pressure. I could not tell you for certain though. She has adapted to not repeating what cost her in past title fights.
Lozada is a technical stylist, built on a decorated amateur career with 28 fights, and lacking power. Hopefully her training includes lateral movement and counter-punching. This is crucial to neutralize Cuesta’s forward pressure.
Advantages / Disadvantages
Cuesta has more professional experience. She is a classic Orthodox boxer. Although, she has little one-punch power. That could become her downfall.
Lozada is technically excellent and well composed. Having a Fight IQ like hers just might frustrate a person boxing with pure grit! Her main disadvantage is only having four professional fights.
What Does it Boil Down to
Classic boxer vs. pressure-fighter matchup with real stakes: Cuesta needs it to reopen her title path. While Lozada needs it to prove her amateur pedigree has the capability of hanging with the pros. There is quite a bit on the line for each boxer.
Combat Sports & Martial Arts Writer| Partnership Marketing and Digital Strategy Lead (Combat Sports)
I have been an avid viewer of Boxing and MMA for almost three decades. Since 2001, I have enjoyed watching the UFC. After a 25 year career in healthcare, I am pursuing my hobby. This entails writing about combat sports and martial arts for FightMatrix. Additionally, I like interviewing guests to share their interesting and professional stories.