Claressa Shields remains unbeaten and continues her dominance in women’s boxing – possible superfights in sight?
Claressa Shields (17-0, 3 knockouts) impressively defended her undisputed heavyweight world title at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit last night. The US-American defeated New Zealand’s Lani Daniels (11-3-2, 1 knockout) unanimously on points – a one-sided fight that once again underlined Shields’ position as the face of women’s boxing.
The judges clearly saw Shields in front: one scored the fight 100-90, the other two gave Daniels just one round (99-91). Shields dictated the action over all ten rounds with superior technique, ring generalship and counter-attacking power. Daniels had hardly any means against the “GWOAT” (Greatest Woman of All Time), as Shields calls herself.
After winning world titles at super welterweight, middleweight and super middleweight, Shields has conquered the heavyweight division in her last three fights – a weight class with a much thinner line-up in women’s boxing. But despite the limited competition, the 29-year-old still wants big names and big fights.
“Anybody can get it,” Shields said in an interview with DAZN reporter Claudia Trejos. “I always say this, but I want the biggest and best fights.”
A possible mega-fight against Laila Ali, daughter of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, is causing a stir. Although the former super-middleweight world champion has not been in the ring since 2007, she has recently brought herself back into the conversation. During the broadcast of Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano III, Ali declared that she would be willing to return for a purse of between 15 and 20 million US dollars.
Whether this historic generational clash will take place remains to be seen – but one thing is clear: Claressa Shields has impressively defended her heavyweight throne and remains the boxing queen by whom all must measure themselves.