Claressa Shields has once again rewritten the history books, solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest boxers of all time. In a stunning display of power, skill, and resilience, Shields delivered a decisive victory over Danielle Perkins to become the undisputed women’s heavyweight champion, marking a historic achievement that no other boxer—male or female—has accomplished before. The fight, which took place in front of an electrified hometown crowd at the Dort Financial Center in Flint, Michigan, ended with a unanimous decision victory for Shields, who punctuated her dominance with a knockout in the final seconds of the tenth round.
From the opening bell, Shields took control of the fight, using her superior speed, footwork, and precise combinations to keep Perkins on the defensive. Despite being the larger fighter, Perkins struggled to impose her size advantage against Shields, who expertly closed the distance and unleashed rapid-fire jabs and powerful right hooks. Shields’ aggressive approach and relentless pace overwhelmed Perkins early on, with Shields landing clean shots while evading her opponent’s counterattacks. As the rounds progressed, Perkins attempted to mount a comeback, showing resilience by landing some powerful jabs and uppercuts in the later rounds. However, her late aggression left her exposed, and Shields capitalized on the opportunity, landing a devastating right hook that sent Perkins to the canvas with just seconds remaining in the fight.
The judges’ scorecards reflected Shields’ overwhelming control, with scores of 100-89, 97-92, and 99-90 in her favor. With this victory, Shields became the first American heavyweight—male or female—to win an undisputed championship since Riddick Bowe in 1992. She also extended her unbeaten professional record to 16-0, cementing her status as the most decorated female boxer in history. This latest triumph adds yet another championship belt to her collection, further proving that she is an unstoppable force in the boxing world.
Shields’ victory was even more remarkable considering the adversity she faced leading up to the fight. She revealed that she had been battling a torn labrum in her left shoulder, an injury that could have sidelined her. However, her unwavering determination and commitment to excellence saw her push through the pain and deliver a career-defining performance. In her post-fight interview, Shields expressed gratitude to her hometown supporters, crediting their energy for fueling her dominant showing in the ring. She also acknowledged Perkins’ toughness, stating that she knew she had to be at her best to overcome such a formidable opponent.
This historic fight headlined a packed boxing event in Flint, which featured a total of nine bouts, including four women’s fights. In the co-main event, Brandon Moore claimed the vacant USBA men’s heavyweight title after his opponent, Skylar Lacy, was disqualified. Michigan-based fighters Leon Lawson III, Joseph Hicks, and Joshua James Pagan also delivered standout performances, with Hicks and Lawson securing victories by technical knockout.
With this victory, Shields continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in women’s boxing. Having already conquered the super welterweight and middleweight divisions, she now reigns supreme in the heavyweight class, a feat that sets her apart from every other boxer in history. Looking ahead, Shields has expressed interest in taking on even bigger challenges, including potential rematches against Franchon Crews and Savannah Marshall, as well as crossover fights against MMA legends such as Cris Cyborg. Her ambitions extend beyond personal accolades, as she remains a vocal advocate for increased recognition and financial equity in women’s boxing.
Shields’ journey from the streets of Flint to the pinnacle of global boxing is a testament to her resilience, discipline, and sheer talent. Her name is now etched alongside the greatest legends in the sport, and her influence continues to inspire the next generation of fighters. As she basks in the glory of yet another historic victory, the world watches eagerly to see what’s next for this once-in-a-lifetime athlete.
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