Claressa Shields: Undisputed & Untouchable

Claressa Shields: Undisputed & Untouchable

Claressa Shields proved yet again over the weekend that she is untouchable. Shields added yet another undisputed label to her resume. Now, a three-time undisputed champion of the world, Shields only lacks a true rival. Some may argue that the depth of the women’s boxing above the welterweight limit is wafer-thin. While that might be true, it is also true that Claressa Shields is that good she amplifies that fact. Shields is head and shoulders above any other fighter in and around her weight division. It isn’t her fault she has little in the way of worthwhile competition.

On Sunday night in Flint, Michigan, Shields added the undisputed heavyweight titles to her impressive and extensive record when she comprehensively outpointed the much bigger Danielle Perkins. Shields overcome the natural size advantages of her opponent and a troublesome shoulder injury to extend her unbeaten record to 16-0.

Perkins was tough but limited, and Shields was on a completely different level to her opponent. The ‘GWOAT’ praised her opponents’ strength, but it was Shields who looked the bigger puncher of the two. Perkins was badly hurt early in the fight and looked ready to go. But the 42-year-old bravely stayed in the fight and even started to show a little more ambition as the final bell neared. But it was her increased aggression that enabled Shields to perfectly time a stunning right hand that landed flush right on the final bell. Perkins dropped to her knees, but the bell came to her rescue. Perkins was badly hurt, and Shields would surely have finished the job if that right hand had landed a little earlier. But there was no doubt who had won. In truth, we knew that from the early moments of the fight.

Shields won wide. And deservedly so. The scorecards had it 100-89, 99-90, and a far too close 97-92. This observer could only give Perkins the 9th round. Yet again, Shields showed that she is in a different class to her rivals.

The 29-year-old will now look for more. Shields said she wants to fight two more times in 2025.

“I want to fight against Franchon-Crews Dezurn, I want to do a rematch with Hannah Gabriels, I would love to bring Savannah Marshall to the USA and tap that ass again, and it’s always on the table if Cris Cyborg or Laila Ali want to fight.” Shields said post-fight in regards to who could be in her immediate fighting future. But Shields deserves new challenges instead of largely going over old ground.

The depth is so much stronger at welterweight and below. Shields will hope that one or two of the elite of the lower weights step up to fight her. The likes of Mikaela Mayer or Sandy Ryan sharing a ring with Shields is beyond enticing. It’s the kind of fresh challenge that Shields needs. She has achieved so much in her career. But Shields wants more.

Claressa Shields is a truly remarkable athlete, with an inspiring story to match. Her resume is already impressive. A once-in-a-generation superstar who just needs a dance partner that could offer her just a glint of jeopardy. But Shields is that good, and it might be an extremely long wait before that happens. If it ever does.