Last night at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena, contender Claressa Shields delivered a series of powerful combinations at the end of the first round and the start of the second, putting Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse on the defensive. Shields knocked Lepage-Joanisse to the mat three times, making it a short night. With this dominant performance, Shields secured the WBC heavyweight and WBO light heavyweight titles by knockout, adding fourth and fifth division championships to her illustrious career.
Shields (15-0, 3 KO’s) moved up two weight classes, fighting at 175, joins Roy Jones Jr. as the only two boxers in more than 100 years to win middleweight and heavyweight titles. Her previous titles are in the 154, 160 and 168 pounds weight classes. Shields is also a two-time Olympic gold medalist, in the middleweight class of the 2012 and 2016 games, making her the first boxer from the U.S. to win consecutive Olympic medals.
“What I’ve been able to do in my career, from the amateur to the pros, I’m definitely top five,” Shields said. “If you want to put me up there next to Michael Jordan, Kobe (Bryant), Serena Williams, Muhammad Ali. I’m definitely in that conversation.”
In an electrifying bout at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena, Claressa Shields showcased her prowess with a series of highlights that underscored her dominance in the ring:
- End of the First Round:
- Shields launched a relentless barrage of punches, overwhelming Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse and putting her on the defensive.
- A powerful right hook followed by a quick combination sent Lepage-Joanisse to the mat for the first time, setting the tone for the fight.
- Start of the Second Round:
- Shields picked up right where she left off, with aggressive combinations that kept Lepage-Joanisse on her heels.
- Another series of precise and powerful punches knocked Lepage-Joanisse down for the second time.
- Decisive Knockdown:
- As Lepage-Joanisse struggled to regain her footing, Shields capitalized with a devastating left-right combination.
- The third knockdown came from a perfectly timed uppercut, leaving Lepage-Joanisse unable to continue.
- Victory by Knockout:
- The referee stepped in, calling a halt to the match and declaring Shields the winner by knockout.
- With this victory, Shields claimed both the WBC heavyweight and WBO light heavyweight titles, adding to her impressive collection of championships.
Claressa Shields’ performance not only demonstrated her skill and power but also solidified her status as one of boxing’s premier champions.
