By Claressa Shields, the two-time Olympic gold medalist, is set to make a remarkable return to boxing by moving up two weight classes to challenge the WBC women’s heavyweight champion, Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse. Shields, who has been active in mixed martial arts, is eyeing a historic victory that would crown her a four-weight world champion. The much-anticipated bout is scheduled for July 27 at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, a venue where Shields previously defended her middleweight title.
Shields, undefeated as a professional with a record of 14-0 (2), has already secured world champion titles in the light-middleweight, middleweight, and super-middleweight divisions. The upcoming fight against Canada’s Lepage-Joanisse, who holds a 7-1 (2) record, will also feature the vacant WBO light-heavyweight title, contested at the division’s limit of 12st 7lb. Despite the classification differences, the WBC recognizes this as a heavyweight bout for their women’s championship.
Lepage-Joanisse, who claimed the WBC title with a split-decision win over Abril Argentina Vidal in March, welcomes the challenge, emphasizing her readiness to face any opponent. Shields, known for her GWOAT (Greatest Woman of All Time) energy, is determined to continue her legacy and elevate women’s boxing to new heights.
