On Sunday, 2nd February, Claressa Shields came out ahead in her boxing match at her hometown Flint, Michiga. She captured a unanimous decision win facing off Danielle Perkins at the Dort Financial Center. This makes her the first fighter, male or female, to hold undisputed titles in three weight classes. The victory has also crowned her the first woman to claim the title of undisputed heavyweight champion.
Throughout the match Shields’ exceptional speed and boxing skills outclassed Perkins, who put up a commendable fight but struggled to keep pace. The fight saw Shields nearly score a knockdown in the third round, but Perkins managed to stay upright. However, in a dramatic finish, Claressa Shields landed a powerful right hand that sent Perkins to the canvas in the tenth round, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. Although Perkins rose to her feet, the momentum was clearly with Shields, who may have finished the fight had there been a few more seconds on the clock.
After the amazing match, Shields revealed that she fought through major hardship. She revealed that a week before the match, she suffered a torn labrum in her left arm, which raised doubts about her ability to compete. "I didn't want to let Flint down," Shields stated post-fight. "I really couldn't use my jab the way that I wanted to, but I did the best that I could." She pushed through the pain to achieve this historic triumph.
Looking back at the match in the ring, Shields acknowledged Perkins' strength, saying, "I felt strong in there, but I know Danielle Perkins felt stronger. That girl was strong as hell." From the win in this match, her determination and grit, it is evident that Danielle Shields is who she thinks she is.
