Claressa Shields continues to solidify her legacy in women’s boxing, now holding world titles in three weight classes after a stunning double victory in Detroit.
Claressa Shields has once again proven why she is one of the most dominant figures in women’s boxing. On a historic night in her hometown of Detroit, Shields claimed both the WBC heavyweight and WBO light heavyweight titles, adding to her already impressive collection of championship belts. With this victory, Shields, who remains undefeated with a record of 15-0, 3 KOs, now holds titles in three different weight classes: heavyweight, light heavyweight, and middleweight, where she is the undisputed champion.
In a highly anticipated match against Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse, Shields delivered a powerful performance, securing a second-round TKO to win both belts. The victory was particularly sweet as it occurred in front of her hometown fans, who witnessed Shields dominate from the opening bell. In women’s boxing, the WBC’s heavyweight division includes fighters weighing 175 pounds and over, while the WBO’s light heavyweight division also encompasses this weight range, allowing Shields to claim titles in both categories simultaneously.
Reflecting on her victory, Shields expressed her confidence in her ability to compete across multiple divisions. “Wherever I campaign, I can find a fight,” Shields said, highlighting her versatility and ambition. “I’m going to talk to my team and decide if we want to go down and defend my middleweight titles or stay at heavyweight and chase more world titles.” This statement underscores Shields’ strategic approach to her career, as she considers her next move in an ever-expanding legacy.
With her latest triumph, Shields not only dominates the 175-pound and up division but also maintains her stronghold at 160 pounds. Her remarkable ability to excel across different weight classes sets her apart from her peers and cements her status as one of the greatest female boxers of all time.
ESPN’s divisional boxing rankings, updated every Tuesday, aim to reflect the current landscape of the sport by evaluating recent bouts, head-to-head competition, and the quality of opponents. While there is an element of subjectivity until fighters face each other in the ring, these rankings strive to provide an accurate snapshot of the best in each division. Fighters who have not competed in 18 months and do not have an upcoming fight scheduled will be temporarily removed from the rankings until they return to action.
Shields’ latest achievement is a testament to her relentless pursuit of greatness. As she contemplates her next steps, the boxing world eagerly awaits her decision, knowing that whichever path she chooses, it will likely lead to more historic moments in the sport. Whether she continues to defend her middleweight titles or pursues further glory in the heavyweight ranks, Claressa Shields is undeniably the reigning queen of women’s boxing.
