Claressa Shields deserves recognition as the best fighter in women’s boxing ahead of Katie Taylor, believes promoter Dmitriy Salita.
Shields successfully defended his undisputed heavyweight championship with a landslide unanimous decision victory over Franchon Crews-Dezurn, extending his perfect professional record to 18-0.
A double Olympic champion, she has won 18 world championships across five weight classes and is the only female boxer to have won four major world titles across three weight classes.
Undisputed super lightweight Taylor is equally an icon and pioneer in women’s boxing, where she is widely regarded as one of the best fighters in the field.
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Watch epic highlights between Fight of the Year contenders Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall!
Salita, Shields’ promoter, said: “Katie Taylor is a historic figure in boxing. I am a fan of her both personally and professionally and have said many times what she has done for boxing.” sky sports.
“That said, Claressa Shields is definitely the number one pound-for-pound fighter in women’s boxing today.
“What sets Claressa apart is not just what she has accomplished in the ring, where she already stands on her own, but the totality of her influence. There is more to being a true superstar than simply being elite in the ring. There is the “IT” factor – the ability to headline, sell out arenas, create moments and make the event happen regardless of the opponent, and Claressa has it.
“She may be the first woman in the history of sports to consistently sell out a major stadium, regardless of the opponent.”
Shields has broken through a weight class as one of the faces of female combat sports, and a major moment in her career comes in 2022 when she defeats longtime rival Savannah Marshall in London.
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Savannah Marshall says Claressa Shields is a good fighter, even if she’s not as fast as expected, after losing by unanimous decision.
She later moved up to heavyweight and became the undisputed champion with a unanimous decision victory over Daniel Perkins.
Salita said she is eyeing a clash with unified world super welterweight champion Michaela Mayer, who is currently coming off back-to-back wins over Sandy Ryan and most recently a unanimous decision win over Mary Spencer.
“Claressa has been pursuing greatness since the beginning of her career,” Salita added. “She has gained and lost weight. She has crossed oceans. She has faced the toughest challenges she has ever faced.
“A fight with Mikaela Mayer is something she has publicly said she wants. She also made it clear last night that she is willing to move back into the 160 range to pursue meaningful fights, including against Shadasia Green.
“It’s truly amazing! There’s almost no inner fire inside her to fight the best in any division at any time. That mentality is what separates a champion from a generational talent.”
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Daniel Perkins stunned Che Kennelly by winning the WBA light heavyweight title.
Shields got into a heated confrontation with Crews-Dezurn and her team at the weigh-in ahead of the pair’s fight on Sunday, leading to a subsequent clash.
Crews-Dezurn played Sunday morning after being evaluated by doctors for knee and ankle issues.
The rivals, who fought in Shields’ first professional fight in November 2016, ended the night with mutual respect.
“Of course.” Salita said. “They have now shared the ring twice at the highest level. It is a deep, emotional and physical experience. There was a fire of competition that developed into the highest level of respect.
“They are sisters in spirit in many ways. Pioneers who together helped advance women’s boxing. Even after two such fights, the bond, respect and appreciation for what they have built together in this sport endures.
“Franchon is a true champion. She came prepared, fought hard and represented herself with world championship ability.”
