In a battle that will forever be etched in the annals of boxing history, Claressa Shields added yet another monumental victory to her already stellar career, securing a dominant win against Danielle Perkins and making an indelible mark in the world of combat sports. Shields (16-0, 3 KOs) capped off a thrilling 10-round championship fight by knocking out Perkins (5-1, 2 KOs) with less than 20 seconds left in the final round, further solidifying her place as one of the greatest women’s boxers of all time.
The fight took place on a packed night of boxing at the Dort Financial Center in Shields’ hometown of Flint, Michigan, where she was met with a raucous and supportive crowd. The historic match crowned Shields as the first boxer in history, male or female, to win undisputed titles in three different weight classes. The sheer magnitude of this achievement adds another feather in the cap of a fighter whose career has already broken boundaries for women in the sport.
From the first bell, Shields displayed the kind of aggression that has made her a force to be reckoned with in the ring. Her superior speed and technical ability allowed her to consistently get past the longer reach of Perkins. Shields controlled the tempo from the get-go, closing the distance and unleashing a flurry of right hooks and overhand shots, complemented by her near-constant jab. The 10 rounds of action were a display of Shields’ boxing IQ and her ability to dictate the pace, despite Perkins’ resilience.
For her part, Perkins showed determination and a never-say-die attitude. As the fight progressed, Perkins found new energy in the final three rounds, landing several powerful jabs and uppercuts on Shields. It seemed as though she was in the midst of making a late surge that could potentially turn the fight in her favor. But Shields, ever the strategist, weathered the storm and adapted to Perkins’ attempts to land a decisive punch.
The fight reached its dramatic climax in the final moments of the 10th round, where Perkins, desperate for a knockout, left herself open to Shields’ devastating right hook. The punch sent Perkins crashing to the mat, unable to recover before the bell rang. With the knockout, Shields not only secured a unanimous decision victory (100-89, 97-92, 99-90) but also sealed her place in boxing history as the first American, male or female, to win an undisputed championship in the heavyweight division since Riddick Bowe in 1992.
Shields’ victory also marks a personal achievement for the Michigan native, who has never lost a professional fight. The event was particularly poignant for Shields, as the venue in Flint is where she began her career and found her passion for boxing. The emotion and energy from her hometown crowd were palpable, with the fans giving her a standing ovation as she raised her championship belt in victory.
The championship fight headlined a spectacular night of boxing, which featured several other thrilling bouts. The co-main event saw Brandon Moore winning the vacant USBA men’s heavyweight title after Skylar Lacy was disqualified for an illegal punch. In addition, three other Michigan fighters—Leon Lawson III, Joseph Hicks, and Joshua James Pagan—took home victories, with Hicks and Lawson both securing wins by technical knockout.
Shields’ victory adds another title to her already impressive collection and further establishes her as the queen of women’s boxing. The 28-year-old fighter now has the undisputed middleweight, super middleweight, and lightweight titles under her belt, making her the first to hold undisputed titles across three different weight divisions. This achievement places Shields in a league of her own, transcending gender and earning her recognition as one of the sport’s greatest athletes.
While Shields has been known for her unparalleled skill in the ring, her impact extends far beyond the sport of boxing. She has used her platform to inspire countless individuals, particularly young women, to pursue their dreams and break through barriers. Her achievements also continue to shape the narrative surrounding women’s sports and the ongoing fight for gender equality in athletics.
As Shields continues to break records, the world watches closely to see how she will continue to evolve and inspire future generations of athletes. Her place in boxing history is secured, and there’s no doubt that she will continue to be a trailblazer for years to come.
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