CLARESSA Shields made history last night by becoming the first ever three-division undisputed champion, male or female, following her comprehensive victory over Danielle Perkins.
Despite being dwarfed by her towering heavyweight opponent, ‘The GWOAT’ was nonetheless able to produce a boxing clinic in her home city of Flint, Michigan.
Perkins, who was unbeaten through five fights heading into their clash, could do very little to disrupt the pulsating rhythm of Shields, 16-0 (3 KOs), whose masterful display has only elevated her greatness.
From the opening bell, the 29-year-old swiftly established herself as the faster and more technically skilled operator, hurting Perkins multiple times before flooring her in the tenth round.
In the end, however, Shields’ blistering performance was not enough to stop the 42-year-old, whose mountainous frame absorbed much of her punishment.
Nevertheless, the American’s wide unanimous decision victory earned her a roaring reception from the fans, all of whom left gaping in awe after witnessing her stunning achievement.
Shields has, after all, garnered all the major titles across super-welterweight, middleweight and now heavyweight, cementing her decorated legacy in women’s boxing.
It came as somewhat disappointing news, though, when she told media members after the fight that she is targeting a rematch with Hanna Gabriels.
The pair squared off back in 2018 when Shields, after getting knocked down in the first round, produced a typically dominant display through ten rounds.
A rematch with Savannah Marshall, too, has been mentioned as a possible option for Shields, though the biggest matchups in women’s boxing, involving the likes of Amanda Serrano, can be found in the lower divisions.
