.png)
Claressa Shields Makes History in Flint, Becomes Boxing's First-Ever Undisputed Women's Heavyweight Champion
On Saturday night at the Dort Financial Center in Flint, Michigan, the boxing world witnessed history as Claressa Shields, known as the "GWOAT" (Greatest Woman of All Time), defeated Danielle Perkins by unanimous decision to become the first-ever women's undisputed heavyweight champion. The victory also cemented Shields’ place in history as the only three-division undisputed champion—male or female—of the four-belt era.
In front of an electric hometown crowd, Shields (16-0, 3 KOs) showcased her resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. Just nine days before the fight, she suffered a torn labrum in her left shoulder, leaving her unable to rely on her signature weapon, her jab. Despite the injury, Shields dominated the fight by leaning heavily on her powerful straight right hand and overhand right, landing these punches with pinpoint accuracy throughout the bout.
The Fight
Shields' ability to adjust her strategy proved crucial against the southpaw Perkins, who entered the fight with an imposing frame and a reputation for durability. In Round 3, Shields landed a thunderous overhand right that staggered Perkins, nearly securing an early stoppage. However, Perkins absorbed the punishment and managed to survive the ensuing flurry from Shields.
As the fight progressed, Shields continued to impose her will. In Round 7, she once again rocked Perkins with a straight right hand, nearly finishing her opponent. Perkins showed incredible toughness, bouncing back in the later rounds to press forward with increased aggression, but Shields' superior skill and precision neutralized her efforts.
In a dramatic conclusion, Shields slipped a slow left hand from Perkins in the final seconds of the fight and countered with a sharp right hook that sent Perkins to the canvas. Although the knockdown came too late for Shields to capitalize, it was a defining moment that capped off a dominant performance.
The Judges' Scorecards
The judges’ scorecards reflected Shields’ dominance. She was awarded every round on one card (100-89), nine rounds on another (99-90), and seven rounds on the third (97-92). Shields’ victory not only solidified her legacy but also underscored her unparalleled boxing IQ and ability to adapt under less-than-ideal circumstances.
What’s Next for the GWOAT?
In her post-fight interview, Shields expressed a desire to fight at least twice more in 2025, and she left fans buzzing with the potential names on her list of future opponents. Among them were familiar rivals like Savannah Marshall and Franchon Crews-Dezurn, as well as Hanna Gabriels and MMA legend Cris Cyborg. Shields also teased the possibility of a showdown with retired boxing icon Laila Ali, a matchup that would undoubtedly be a monumental event for women’s boxing.
A Night to Remember in Flint
For Shields, capturing the undisputed heavyweight title in her hometown made the night even more special. The Flint native has long been a symbol of resilience and determination, both inside and outside the ring. Her victory serves as an inspiration to her community and a reminder of what can be achieved through hard work and perseverance.
Claressa Shields’ historic win not only elevates her already legendary career but also continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible for women in combat sports. As the GWOAT herself said after the fight, “I’m not done making history.” FIGHT.TV is here for it!
Kommentare