Claressa Shields is currently contemplating her future in the heavyweight division following her upcoming fight against Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse. Shields expressed her openness to staying in the division and pursuing undisputed status if she can secure significant fights.
Shields, known as the GWOAT ('Greatest Woman of All-Time'), is aiming to claim a world title in a fourth weight class by moving up to heavyweight. Her opponent, Lepage-Joanisse, the current WBC heavyweight champion, will also be vying for the vacant WBO heavyweight title in their upcoming bout at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
The fight, scheduled for 10 rounds, is anticipated by Shields to end in a knockout, with her predicting a potential finish as early as Round 5 or 7 due to her opponent underestimating her power.
Despite being ranked as the top pound-for-pound female boxer by ESPN and holding two Olympic gold medals, Shields feels that her greatness is not fully recognized by fans. She emphasized the importance of self-appreciation and hard work in achieving her accomplishments.
During a visit to the Detroit Lions' training camp, Shields engaged with NFL players, offering boxing tips to receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and receiving a sparring challenge from rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold. She also received encouragement from head coach Dan Campbell and posed for photos with her collection of world title belts alongside team owner Sheila Ford Hamp at the Meijer Performance Center.
