Claressa Shields embraces heavyweight history ahead of Crews-Dezurn rematch
Claressa Shields embraces heavyweight history ahead of Crews-Dezurn rematch
Claressa Shields admits becoming undisputed heavyweight champion was never in her plans as she prepares to defend her titles against Franchon Crews-Dezurn in Detroit.
The American secured her status as the sport’s ultimate trailblazer after becoming the first undisputed female heavyweight ruler last year.
It added to a historic resume that already included undisputed reigns at super-welterweight and middleweight.
However, the two-time Olympic gold medallist confesses that dominating the heaviest weight class was an unexpected twist in her decorated career.
“Heavyweight was never in my plans,” Shields told Sky Sports.
“Being at that weight class, I just have to keep showing my skill, keep showing my speed, keep showing my power.
“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.”
Joining the American greats
Shields believes holding the heavyweight crown carries a specific prestige within the United States sporting landscape.
The Michigan native feels the achievement places her alongside the most legendary figures in boxing history.
“Adding undisputed heavyweight world champion to Claressa Shields’ name has definitely broadened my brand,” she said.
“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.
“Just to have my name added to that on the women’s side it’s still just really big and really great.”
She also views her success as a continuation of boundaries broken by pioneers such as Jack Johnson.
“I think that I was already Black history enough. Now I’m just history all over, with that,” Shields added.
“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.”
Crews-Dezurn awaits in Detroit
Shields’ focus now turns to Sunday’s homecoming bout in Detroit against a familiar foe.
She previously defeated Crews-Dezurn in 2016 when both women were making their professional debuts.
The challenger has since established herself as a force at super-middleweight, holding wins over dangerous punchers like Shadasia Green.
“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,” Shields said.
“I know she’s going to come, she’s going to bring it, she’s more familiar with me than anybody else.”