Introduction to Claressa Shields’ Recent Triumph
Claressa Shields remains undecided about her future in the heavyweight division after a remarkable second-round knockout win over WBC Women’s Heavyweight Champion Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse. Shields, with a flawless record of 15-0, 3 KOs, added another historic moment to her career by not only claiming the WBC heavyweight title but also winning the vacant WBO Light Heavyweight World Title.
The Fight Night at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena
The event took place last Saturday night at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena, where Shields moved up two weight classes to challenge the reigning WBC heavyweight champion from Canada. Shields demonstrated her prowess in the ring, needing just two rounds to secure the victory. A left hook in the opening round sent Lepage-Joanisse to the mat, leading to a furious flurry of punches by Shields to close the round. Continuing her dominance, Shields dropped Lepage-Joanisse again in the second round with a powerful right hand, forcing a stoppage after a third knockdown.
Claressa Shields’ Future in Boxing
Despite this impressive victory, Shields remains contemplative about her future. “You have so many world champions at heavyweight, but I’m the cash cow,” said Shields. “Wherever I campaign, I can find a fight. 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.” Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, has options at both middleweight and heavyweight, making her next move a point of significant interest in the boxing world.
Shields’ Strength and Strategy
Reflecting on her performance, Shields noted her surprising strength in the ring. “I only hit her with two punches in the first round, and I remember a hook hit her, and I said, ‘you know what, I knew I was strong in camp, but I’m super strong tonight.’ Maybe I can stay at heavyweight if I’m going to be this strong in the ring,” she said. Shields’ confidence and strategic thinking underline her status as one of the best female fighters ever.
Additional Highlights from the Event
In addition to Shields’ historic win, the event also saw junior welterweight Michel Rivera (26-1, 14 KOs) defeat Argentina’s Hugo Alberto Roldan (22-3-1, 7 KOs). Rivera controlled most of the fight and scored a knockdown in the 10th round, securing a split decision victory and potentially setting himself up for another world title opportunity in the 140-pound division.
