Two-time Olympic gold medallist Claressa Shields will move up from middleweight to take on WBC women’s heavyweight champion Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse in Detroit on July 27; the American, who has been fight in MMA, is aiming to become a four-weight world champion
Claressa Shields has her sights on becoming a four-weight world champion after stepping up to challenge women’s WBC heavyweight champion Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse.
The 29-year-old has been competing in mixed martial arts with Professional Fighters League since August last year, winning her most recent fight in February with a split-decision verdict over Kelsey DeSantis.
Shields will return to boxing on July 27 to face Lepage-Joanisse at the Litte Caesar’s Arena in Detroit, where she successfully defended her undisputed middleweight world champion status against Maricela Cornejo in June last year.
“This is a significant and unique fight where I am moving up two weight classes against a very tough champion in my quest to become world champion in my fourth weight division,” Shields said.
“I plan to do what I do best: bring that GWOAT energy and continue putting women’s boxing on the map.
“I’m excited to bring another entertaining fight to Little Caesars Arena. Last time 12,000 fans filled the arena, and this time we’re going to lift the roof off the building.”
