Claressa Shields “stands among” elite champions like Oleksandr Usyk ahead of her bid to unify the heavyweight division, promoter Dmitriy Salita says.
The American star has already been crowned world champion in five weight divisions and can match Oleksandr Usyk’s achievements when he bids to become the undisputed world heavyweight titleholder next month.
Usyk defeated Tyson Fury in May last year to secure all the major belts in the top division and defended three of them in a rematch win over his British rival last month, while Shields battles Danielle Perkins for the titles WBC, IBF, WBA and WBO in Michigan on February 2.
“Boxing is an individual sport, making it an incredible challenge to compare the unique and remarkable achievements of these two great fighters,” said Dmitry Salita, who promotes Shields. Sky Sports.
“What sets Claressa apart from everyone else in boxing – past or present – is her groundbreaking achievements as a pioneer in women’s sport.
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Watch highlights from Oleksandr Usyk’s press conference where he discusses his win over Tyson Fury, facing Daniel Dubois and wanting a break from boxing
“She was the first to accomplish many feats, breaking barriers and opening doors for equality while remaining completely dominant in the ring.”
Both Usyk and Shields have previously excelled in the amateur ranks, with the Ukrainian claiming gold at the 2012 Olympics and Shields also taking gold in London and Rio four years later.
The 29-year-old avenged the only loss on her record, a World Amateur Championship loss to Savannah Marshall, with a unanimous decision win to become the undisputed super middleweight champion in front of a huge television audience and packed crowd at The O2.
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Watch the epic highlights between Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall in a match of the year contender!
“Claressa is undoubtedly an all-time great, not only because of her unparalleled list of accomplishments, but also because of her unwavering faith and determination,” Salita said.
“Growing up as a young woman in Flint, Michigan, one of the toughest environments in the United States, she had the resilience to overcome her circumstances and prove that neither her environment nor her gender could define her limits.
“For these reasons, Claressa is a generational talent and ranks among the sports world’s all-time greats.”
Shields can extend her 15-fight unbeaten streak against Perkins, who is unbeaten in five fights.
Could Shields return to Britain for the showdown?
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Speaking on the Toe2Toe podcast, Lauren Price discusses what fights she wants next after becoming the welterweight champion in May
Lauren Price, the WBA welterweight champion, has admitted she would welcome a fight against Shields at the Principality Stadium in front of her Welsh support.
“It’s hard to top anything from the Olympians. Win the 2021 Olympics,” said Shields, who has competed one division up at super-welterweight. Sky Sports last year.
“I feel like when you’ve been around the world and you’ve boxed and you’ve won a World Championship, you’re destined to be great in the pros. I wish her the best of luck.”
But Price must first defeat Natasha Jonas in their world title unification bout at the Royal Albert Hall on March 7.
Watch Jonas vs Price on March 7, live on Sky Sports.
