Claressa Shields secured her place in boxing history.
Ten years ago, she became the first American boxer to win consecutive Olympic gold medals.
As a professional, she became an undisputed world champion at super welterweight and middleweight (twice).
Last year, Shields became women’s boxing’s first undisputed heavyweight champion, establishing herself as the ultimate trailblazer.
She even surprises herself in that regard. “Heavyweight was not in my plans,” Shields told Sky Sports.
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Claressa Shields made an unforgettable entrance to the ring in her fight against Savannah Marshall.
“Being in that weight class, you have to keep showing your skills, keep showing your speed, keep showing your power.
“I feel like it’s my job to show that all weight classes in women’s boxing are interesting. From heavyweight to flyweight to strawweight, we all have skill, we all have hands, we all can fight, we all have skill.”
Her status as the undisputed heavyweight champion is a statement in itself.
“Adding the Claressa Shields name to the undisputed world heavyweight champion has definitely broadened my brand. I can say I’m the American heavyweight champion, but when you think of American heavyweight champions, you think of greats like Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, George Foreman, Evander Holyfield. Just adding my name to that on the women’s side is still really big and really great,” she said.
“And to be the first undisputed women’s heavyweight champion in the history of boxing. I think there was enough black history already. With this, I completely erased history. I’m now with guys like Jack Johnson, who was the first black heavyweight champion.”
“So I’m the first black female heavyweight champion in boxing. I embrace that wholeheartedly and I want to continue to defend the title. And I’m just wearing it strong. You know what to do.”
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Unified welterweight champion Lauren Price is targeting a future fight with pound-for-pound superstar Claressa Shields.
Shields defeated her great amateur rival Savannah Marshall in a match for the undisputed middleweight title. At heavyweight, she earned her first wins over previously undefeated Vanessa Lepage-Joanis, Daniel Perkins, and Lani Daniels.
On Sunday in Detroit, Shields will have a rematch with Franchon Cruz-Dezrun, whom he defeated in his pro debut in 2016.
“She’s at the top of the division at 168 pounds. She beat Shadasia Greene, a slugger who everyone says is the queen of that division,” Shields said.
“I know she’s coming, she’s going to bring it, she knows me better than anyone else.
“She’s a top contender and continues to improve and always wants to win. If you fight Franchon, you know you’re going to get bumps, you’re going to get bruises, you might get thrown to the ground. Franchon is a rough, tough fighter, very experienced.
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Claressa Shields returned to the Octagon for the first time since 2021 and scored a historic victory, winning the first women’s mixed martial arts bout in Saudi Arabia.
“She’s still the frontrunner.”
But Shields added, “I’m the best player. I’ve never been in a close game, so I don’t know how this game will go.”
“If I’m too good for myself, I’ll only get better. So there’s nothing I can do about it. I like winning unanimously. I like knocking girls out. I like dominating. I think that would look great on my resume. I don’t like close fights.”
Watch Caroline Dubois vs Terry Harper live on Sky Sports on Sunday 5th April. Tickets can be purchased here
