Claressa Shields Makes History in Flint
Claressa Shields, the self-proclaimed “GWOAT” (Greatest Woman of All Time), has made boxing history once again. On Sunday, February 2, Shields defeated Danielle Perkins by unanimous decision to become the first-ever undisputed women’s heavyweight champion. The fight took place at the Dort Financial Center in her hometown of Flint, Michigan, making the victory even more special.
Shields, now 16-0 with three knockouts, dominated the match despite fighting with a shoulder injury. The judges scored the bout 100-89, 97-92, and 99-90 in her favor. This win marks her as the only three-division undisputed champion in the four-belt era, male or female.
A Hard-Fought Victory Despite Injury
Shields revealed after the fight that she had been battling a torn labrum in her left shoulder. The injury nearly forced her to postpone the match. “I couldn’t use my jab the way I wanted to,” she said. “But I did the best I could. I iced it, did therapy, and now I think I’ll need surgery.”
Despite the injury, Shields connected on 29% of her punches and 36% of her power punches. Perkins, on the other hand, only landed 19% of her punches. This performance showcased Shields’ resilience and determination to win in front of her hometown crowd.
Shields’ Legacy Continues to Grow
With this victory, Shields now holds the WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO heavyweight titles. She is also a two-time Olympic gold medalist and has won gold at super welterweight, middleweight, and super middleweight. Her latest achievement cements her status as one of the greatest boxers of all time.
The win was particularly meaningful for Shields, who fought to inspire her community. “I didn’t want to let Flint down,” she said. Her triumph not only celebrates her personal success but also shines a spotlight on women’s boxing and her hometown.
What’s Next for Claressa Shields?
Shields’ future in boxing remains bright, though she may need time to recover from her shoulder injury. Fans are eager to see what’s next for the undisputed champion. Will she defend her heavyweight titles or explore new challenges?
For now, Shields can celebrate her historic win and the love of her hometown. Her journey continues to inspire athletes and fans worldwide, proving that determination and hard work can overcome any obstacle.
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