Claressa Shields rewrites boxing history as doing what neither Usyk, Crawford nor Inoue have done
Claressa Shields has once again made history, accomplishing a feat that not even Oleksandr Usyk, Naoya Inoue, or Terence Crawford have achieved. The two-time Olympic gold medalist and undefeated boxing star became the undisputed women’s heavyweight champion, securing her third weight division, where she holds all four major belts. This incredible milestone further cements her status as the “GWOAT” (Greatest Woman of All Time) and sets a new benchmark in professional boxing.
Shields Dominates Danielle Perkins to Secure Heavyweight Title
Fighting in her hometown of Flint, Michigan, Claressa Shields (16-0, 3 KOs) delivered a commanding performance against Danielle Perkins (5-1, 0 KOs), winning by unanimous decision with scores of 100-89, 99-90, and 97-92. Despite Perkins having a size advantage, Shields’ speed, precision, and skill made the real difference in the ring.
The age gap—with Shields at 29 and Perkins at 42—also played a role, as Shields displayed far superior agility and ring control. Right from the start, she used her speed to get in and out of range, landing crisp punches while avoiding heavy counters. The second round saw Perkins increase her aggression, but Shields remained in control, using her jab and footwork to dominate the exchanges.
A Historic Feat: Three-Time Undisputed Champion
With this victory, Shields became the first boxer—male or female—to claim undisputed status in three weight classes. While Usyk, Inoue, and Crawford have all unified titles in two divisions, none have done so in a third. Among female fighters, Katie Taylor previously held undisputed championships in two weight categories, but Shields now stands alone at the top with this record-breaking accomplishment.
Her ability to dominate across multiple weight classes showcases her versatility, power, and technical mastery. Holding all four major belts—WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO—in three different divisions, Shields has set a new gold standard in the sport.
Shields Overcame Injury to Secure Victory
Adding to the significance of her win, Shields revealed that she fought through a serious shoulder injury. She disclosed that she had torn her labrum just one week before the fight, nearly forcing her to withdraw.
“I think I’m going to have to have surgery on my left arm,” Shields stated. “I tore my labrum last week, so the fight almost didn’t happen. I didn’t want to disappoint my city, but I really couldn’t use my jab the way I wanted to.”
Despite the injury, Shields remained dominant, even scoring a knockdown in the final round. Her ability to perform at such a high level while injured highlights her grit, determination, and championship mindset.
Claressa Shields’ Legacy Continues on Screen
As Shields celebrates this historic achievement, her inspirational journey is also being told in the newly released biographical film, “The Fire Inside.” The movie showcases her rise from Flint, Michigan, to becoming one of the greatest boxers in history.
Her career, filled with challenges, triumphs, and perseverance, continues to inspire the next generation of athletes. With this latest milestone, Shields has solidified her legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats, proving that she is not just dominant in the ring but also a trailblazer for women’s boxing.
With the boxing world eagerly watching her next move, one thing is certain—Claressa Shields has already cemented her name in history in a way no other boxer ever has.
