Shields, 31, dominated the contest at State Farm Arena, using her superior speed, accuracy and body punching to keep Scott under pressure from the opening bell. The American gradually increased the pace before producing a decisive finish in the sixth round.
Shields hurt Scott with a left hook that sent the Australian into the ropes and prompted a count. Scott beat the count but was unable to withstand the subsequent barrage, with her corner throwing in the towel at 1 minute, 38 seconds of the sixth round.
The victory improved Shields' unbeaten professional record to 19-0 with four knockouts and marked only her second stoppage victory in her last nine fights. Scott's record fell to 5-2-1.
The victory was particularly significant because Shields had not competed at middleweight since 2023. She had moved up through the divisions and most recently established herself as an undisputed heavyweight champion before making the dramatic return to 160 pounds.
Shields revealed after the fight that she had shed about 38 pounds during a 14-week training camp, dropping from 198 pounds to the middleweight limit. Despite concerns over the demanding weight cut, she showed little sign of fatigue as the fight progressed.
The win also makes Shields a world champion across five weight classes during her career and strengthens her claim as one of the most accomplished fighters in women's boxing.
Scott, 42, entered the bout as the reigning WBC and WBA champion after establishing herself as one of Australia's leading female fighters. But she struggled to match Shields' hand speed and combination punching and was increasingly forced onto the defensive as the rounds progressed.
Shields said she did not initially seek an early knockout, instead taking time to assess Scott and manage the effects of her weight reduction.
The Atlanta fight also marked the first women's main event in the history of State Farm Arena, with more than 16,000 fans reportedly in attendance.
With the WBC and WBA belts back in her possession, Shields has already turned her attention to her next challenge. The American has expressed interest in facing Britain's Lauren Price, while also mentioning a possible unification bout with Canada's Tammara Thibeault.
A fight with Price could become one of the biggest events in women's boxing, particularly with Shields looking to strengthen her grip on the 160-pound division and pursue further championship unification.
For now, Shields has once again established herself at middleweight and did so with a statement performance that ended with Scott's corner calling a halt to the contest.
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