A recent report from sportsamo.com highlights Claressa Shields’ unparalleled journey in professional boxing, cementing her status as a generational talent and the "Greatest Woman Of All Time" (GWOAT). Her career trajectory, marked by historic firsts and an unyielding will to dominate, has culminated in an unexpected yet emphatic reign as the undisputed heavyweight champion in women’s boxing, a feat that has expanded her legendary brand far beyond her initial ambitions.
A decade ago, the world first took notice of Claressa Shields as she etched her name into Olympic history. At the London 2012 Games, she became the first American woman to win an Olympic boxing gold medal. Four years later, in Rio 2016, she repeated the feat, becoming the first American boxer, male or female, to win consecutive Olympic gold medals. This amateur pedigree, built on relentless training and an innate fighting spirit, laid the foundation for a professional career that would shatter ceilings and redefine what is possible in women’s boxing.
Transitioning to the professional ranks, Shields quickly demonstrated that her amateur dominance was no fluke. Her meteoric rise saw her become an undisputed world champion at both super-welterweight (154 lbs) and middleweight (160 lbs), a remarkable achievement that showcased her versatility and skill across multiple divisions. She achieved her first undisputed middleweight title in April 2019, unifying the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO belts by defeating Christina Hammer. Her undisputed super-welterweight reign followed in March 2021, after a masterful performance against Marie-Eve Dicaire, adding another layer to her already glittering resume. To achieve undisputed status in two separate weight classes so early in her career was a testament to her ambition and technical prowess, setting a new benchmark for aspiring fighters.
Yet, it was her move to heavyweight that truly shocked the boxing world and solidified her legacy as an ultimate trailblazer. Last year, Shields accomplished the unthinkable, becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion in women’s boxing history. This was not a pre-planned trajectory; as Shields candidly revealed to Sky Sports, "Heavyweight was never in my plans." This admission underscores the organic evolution of her career and her willingness to seize opportunities that present themselves, even if they push her beyond her comfort zone. Her natural weight is significantly lower than the heavyweight limit, making her success in this division even more extraordinary.
The inherent challenges of fighting at heavyweight are immense, particularly for a boxer who built her reputation in lighter divisions. Against naturally larger and often stronger opponents, Shields relies heavily on her unparalleled skill, blistering speed, and surprising power. "Being at that weight class, I just have to keep showing my skill, keep showing my speed, keep showing my power," Shields stated, highlighting her strategic approach. She sees it as her responsibility to elevate the entire sport: "I feel like it’s my job to show that all the weight classes of women’s boxing are entertaining. That we all got skills, from heavyweight to flyweight, strawweight, we all got hands, we all can fight, we all have skill." This commitment to promoting the depth and quality of women’s boxing across all divisions speaks volumes about her broader vision for the sport.
Her status as the undisputed heavyweight champion is more than just a title; it is a profound statement of her dominance and historical significance. The moniker of "American heavyweight champion" resonates deeply within boxing lore, evoking images of legendary figures. "Adding undisputed heavyweight world champion to Claressa Shields’ name has definitely broadened my brand. I can say I’m an American heavyweight champion and when you think of American heavyweight champion you think of Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, George Foreman, Evander Holyfield amongst those greats," she explained. "Just to have my name added to that on the women’s side it’s still just really big and really great."
The comparisons don’t stop there. Shields further emphasizes the groundbreaking nature of her achievement: "And to be the first heavyweight undisputed women’s champion in boxing history. I think that I was already Black history enough. Now I’m just history all over, with that. I’m with the likes of Jack Johnson now, who was the first Black heavyweight champion. So I’m the first Black women’s heavyweight champion in boxing. I really embrace that and I want to keep defending my titles and I’m just wearing it strong, you know how I should." These parallels to boxing titans like Jack Johnson, a trailblazer who broke racial barriers in the sport, underscore the monumental impact Shields is having not just in women’s boxing, but in the broader tapestry of sports history. Her achievements transcend gender and race, placing her firmly among the pantheon of all-time greats.
In her journey to heavyweight supremacy, Shields has confronted and conquered formidable opponents. Her pivotal victory over her long-standing amateur rival, Savannah Marshall, was a spectacle that captivated the boxing world. Their undisputed middleweight title fight was a highly anticipated clash of styles and personalities, with Shields avenging her only amateur loss and cementing her middleweight dominance in front of a raucous crowd. The fight, a technical masterclass from Shields, showcased her ability to adapt, outmaneuver, and outclass a powerful puncher.
At heavyweight, Shields has continued her trend of handing opponents their first professional defeats. She overcame the previously unbeaten Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse, Danielle Perkins, and Lani Daniels, demonstrating her ability to adapt her elite skill set to the demands of the heavier division. Each victory was a testament to her strategic brilliance and unwavering focus, silencing any doubters who questioned her viability at the higher weight class. These fights weren’t just wins; they were statements, proving that her speed and technique were more than enough to neutralize the natural size advantage of her opponents.
This Sunday in Detroit, Claressa Shields will once again step into the ring, facing Franchon Crews-Dezurn in a highly anticipated rematch. This bout carries a unique historical weight, as it revisits their professional debuts in 2016, where Shields secured a unanimous decision victory. Eight years later, both fighters have evolved significantly, making this rematch a compelling narrative. Crews-Dezurn, a top contender in her own right, has built an impressive career, most notably by defeating the formidable Shadasia Green, whom many considered the queen of the super-middleweight division.
Shields acknowledges the challenge Crews-Dezurn presents: "She’s top at her weight class, at 168lbs. She beat the heavy hitter Shadasia Green, who everybody said is the queen of that division. I know she’s going to come, she’s going to bring it, she’s more familiar with me than anybody else. She’s a top contender and she continues to get better and she always wants to win." This respect for her opponent’s grit and experience speaks to the caliber of the upcoming contest. Shields further characterizes Crews-Dezurn as "a rough and rugged fighter and she’s very experienced… You know that when you fight against Franchon, you’re going to get bumps, you’re going to get bruises. You may get thrown on the ground. Franchon is a rough and rugged fighter and she’s very experienced. She’s still a top contender."
Despite the respect, Shields’ confidence remains unshaken, a hallmark of her championship mentality. "I’m the cream of the crop. I haven’t had any close fights so I can’t say how this fight will be," she asserted. This self-belief is not arrogance but a reflection of her meticulous preparation and superior skill. She thrives on dominance, making it clear that her goal is not merely to win, but to do so decisively. "If I am too good for own good, I’m only going to get better. So there’s nothing I can do about that. I like winning unanimously. I like knocking girls out. I like dominating. I think it looks great on my resume. I don’t like having close fights."
Claressa Shields’ career is a masterclass in breaking barriers and defying expectations. From her Olympic triumphs to her multi-divisional undisputed reigns and now her groundbreaking status as the undisputed women’s heavyweight champion, she consistently pushes the boundaries of what is achievable. Her upcoming rematch against Franchon Crews-Dezurn is not just another fight; it is another chapter in the ongoing saga of a boxer determined to solidify her legacy as the greatest to ever step into the ring, inspiring a new generation of athletes to pursue their dreams without limits. Her journey continues to elevate women’s boxing, proving that skill, dedication, and an unyielding will to win are universal traits of true champions.
For those eager to witness more top-tier boxing action, be sure to watch Caroline Dubois vs Terri Harper live on Sky Sports on Sunday April 5, with tickets available for purchase.
