Claressa Shields made history in her hometown of Flint.

The “GWOAT” defeated Danielle Perkins by unanimous decision to become boxing’s first-ever women’s undisputed heavyweight champion. She also earned the accolade of being the only three-division undisputed champion, male or female, of the four-belt era.

Shields (16-0, 3 KOs) is known for her strong jab, but that was nonexistent on Sunday night at the Dort Financial Center in Flint, Michigan. She explained in her post-fight interview that she was unable to use her jab because she tore a labrum in her left shoulder just nine days prior to fight night.

Shields, Uncrowned’s No. 1 pound-for-pound women’s boxer in the world, instead focused her efforts on landing the straight right hand and overhand right on the southpaw Perkins, which she did consistently throughout the fight. She hurt Perkins for the first time in Round 3 with an overhand right and almost secured an early knockout, but Perkins managed to stand up to the assault that followed.

In Round 7, a straight right hand buzzed Perkins heavily, and Shields once again looked for a finish that didn’t come. To her credit, Perkins became more aggressive in the final three rounds, looking to get her own work off on Shields.

With around 10 seconds to go in the 10th and final round, Perkins threw a slow left hand, which Shields slipped and countered with a sharp right, flooring Perkins. There wasn’t any time left for Shields to look for the finish as the final bell rang just after the referee signaled for the action to resume.

Shields was awarded every round on one scorecard, 100-89, nine rounds on a second scorecard, 99-90, and seven rounds on the third card, 97-92. She said in her post-fight interview that she wished to box two more times in 2025, naming a list of potential opponents, which included Franchon Crews-Dezurn, Hanna Gabriels, Savannah Marshall, MMA legend Cris Cyborg and retired trailblazer Laila Ali.

Check out full results, highlights and play-by-play of the Shields-vs.-Perkins fight card below.

The world first found out about Papoose and Claressa Shields’ romance last year, when Remy Ma put the rapper on blast.

Boost in Confidence
Deion Sanders has provided a timely boost to boxer Claressa Shields, infusing her with renewed determination as she overcomes recent challenges related to her suspension issues. The strategic encouragement comes when Shields needed it most, reigniting her fighting spirit both inside and outside the ring.

Dynamic Training Session
A dynamic sparring session between the two was recently showcased, highlighting the mutual commitment to excellence that defines their approach to the sport. This display of collaboration emphasizes the importance of perseverance and proper mentorship, ensuring that setbacks are met with proactive energy and focused training.

Embracing New Opportunities
At 30 years old, Shields now steps into upcoming bouts with a revitalized sense of purpose. The interaction with a celebrated sports figure has not only lifted her spirits but also reinforced her readiness to face future challenges head-on. This supportive environment underscores how resilience and teamwork contribute to overcoming obstacles in competitive sports.

A Testament to Resilience
The recent training moment serves as a powerful reminder that setbacks can transform into opportunities when met with determination and expert guidance. As Shields continues her journey, this episode of encouragement will likely fuel her drive and performance, illustrating that sporting excellence often emerges from the strength found in collaborative support.

In a few days, Claressa Shields will be saying goodbye to her 20s, and sis is doing so in style! The champion boxer will celebrate her 30th birthday on March 17. In anticipation of her big day on March 17, she took to social media to preview some NEW looks. Shields switched her usual dark-colored, long braids and curls for a few surprising hairstyles. While we wait on her boo Papoose to share his thoughts, let’s get into how the fans are reacting.

A Recap Of Claressa Shields’ Birthday Looks

From a curled bob to blonde tresses, Claressa Shields and her stylists pulled out all the stops for her birthday shoot. Footage reposted by The Shade Room shows the boxer in at least three hairstyles as she takes fans “behind the scenes.” One hairstyle shows Claressa wearing long, blond, deep-wave curls. The edges were laid, and the makeup was givin’ glitz and glam, from her shimmery eyeshadow to her pink blush.

“Yeah, Big GWOAT turning 30 on you ho*s. Thought I was going to be 20-something forever didn’t you. We all age, but we all just look good as we age. Y’all know I ain’t never did no blond before, but I had to give y’all a different look because a b***h is rich now. I’m in my Beyoncé era,” Claressa Shields said with a lil’ laugh.

A second look showed Claressa rocking a short black bob with a side part and swoop and flipped ends. Let’s just say volume was not missing in action in that hairstyle. Finally, her third look was a natural Afro with a peach rose tucked into it. Her body was also covered in faux roses and flesh-colored underwear. Swipe below to see all three looks!

Claressa Shields’ Future Fights: Marshall Rematch, Laila Ali Exhibition.

Claressa Shields’ Future Fights: Rematch with Savannah Marshall or Exhibition with Laila Ali?

Dmitriy Salita, the longtime promoter of Claressa Shields, has proposed two exciting potential future events for the undefeated boxing champion. These include a rematch with Savannah Marshall and a highly anticipated exhibition bout with Laila Ali, the Hall of Fame boxer and daughter of the legendary Muhammad Ali.

Shields Defends Undisputed Title and Faces Controversy

Claressa Shields, who is 16-0 with 3 KOs, most recently triumphed over Danielle Perkins in a unanimous decision during her homecoming in Flint, Michigan. This victory secured her position as the undisputed heavyweight titleholder in women’s boxing.

However, after the fight, Shields tested positive for marijuana in a post-fight drug test conducted by the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission. She and her team are contesting the result, though the issue hasn’t caused any major setbacks to her career so far.

Rematch with Savannah Marshall: A Natural Next Step?

Salita views a potential rematch with Savannah Marshall as a logical and exciting option. The two previously faced off in 2022, with Shields winning by unanimous decision in Marshall’s home country of the United Kingdom. Despite the interest in a rematch, there are some complications:

• Marshall has not fought since July 2023, when she defeated Franchon Crews-Dezurn via majority decision.
• Marshall appears to be focusing more on MMA, having recently participated in a mixed martial arts event where she stopped Mirela Vargas in the first round.

Salita suggests that if the rematch were to happen, it would need to take place in the United States, as Shields had to travel across the Atlantic for the original fight in England.

“The fight with Savannah Marshall is a natural one that we’d love to make,” Salita told BoxingScene. “Claressa did go to England, thousands of miles away from home, in the peak of her career. Savannah would have to accept the fact that, for the fight to happen, it would have to be in the United States in order for us to seriously consider it.”

Laila Ali Exhibition: A Major Event for Women’s Boxing

In addition to the Marshall rematch, Salita has also proposed an exhibition match with Laila Ali. Although an exhibition would not be a title bout, it would be a groundbreaking event for women’s sports, bringing attention to women’s boxing on a larger scale.

“An exhibition with Laila Ali would be fantastic for women’s sports and women’s boxing,” said Salita. “Laila might also be the best available contender.”

This match would draw immense attention due to Ali’s legendary status in the boxing world, and it could also further boost Shields’ profile as she continues to gain popularity.

International Women’s Day will take place on March 8 and to recognise the incredible contribution made by women in boxing,  News has taken a closer look at some of the best women’s fights in recent years.

Headlining huge arenas in marquee battles, the women of boxing have delivered impeccably in the modern era.

There will be more to come in a gripping 2025, as Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano meet in a trilogy fight in July, while Australia star and WBC world featherweight Skye Nicolson battles American Tiara Brown on March 22,  Before these contests, we look back at some of the incredible moments we’ve already witnessed in women’s boxing.

he first female fight to headline Madison Square Garden, Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano made history in 2022 as their fight attracted a sellout audience at the home of boxing.

The famous arena, home to some of boxing’s biggest ever nights, was a grand fitting for such an occasion as the two rivals, both evenly matched, provided spectators with one of the best fights of the year.

Taylor overcame a horrific crisis when she appeared to be out on her feet, but she recovered brilliantly to take the verdict on the scorecards via split decision.

The fight won Sports Illustrated’s Fight of the Year and The Ring’s Event of the Year for 2022 and was also nominated for Sports Business Journal’s Event of the Year, a testament to the global reach and power of the event.

With the world still very much gripped by the COVID-19 pandemic, Eddie Hearn’s decision to stage boxing in Matchroom HQ back garden was designed to provide a unique setting staging big fights.

One of those contests was filled with bad blood as Terri Harper and Natasha Jonas, following months of verbal exchanges between them and their respective teams, put on a cracker.

Harper began the bout a huge favourite, but it was clear that Jonas was able to match her all the way from the opening bell. Many believed the Liverpool fighter had done enough to have her arm raised, but the pair could not be separated as the bout was scored a draw.

Claressa Shields has made her stance on Gervonta Davis clear following his draw with Lamont Roach Jr.

Davis was defending his WBA lightweight title against Roach at the Barclays Center in New York, with ‘Tank’ a huge favourite heading into the bout.

Roach surprised many boxing fans with an impressive performance, giving as good as he got and pushing Davis all the way throughout 12 hard-fought rounds.

Controversy arose in the ninth round when out of nowhere ‘Tank’ voluntarily took a knee, but the referee decided not to give him a count. Davis later revealed it was due to hair grease being in his eyes.

At the end of the fight the scorecards read 115-113 Davis and 114-114 twice, meaning that if a 10-8 round for Roach had been scored in the ninth, it would have been enough to see him crowned the new WBA champion.

Some of boxing’s biggest names have already weighed in on the matter, with multi-weight world champion Claressa Shields now offering her thoughts.

Shields is often regarded as being the best female fighter to ever lace up a pair of gloves, and the ‘GWOAT’ revealed on social media that she disagrees with those claiming that ‘Tank’ is overrated after his performance.

“Not y’all saying Tank is overrated…. We not gonna do that. I believe he had an off night vs a great fighter in Roach. And the arguing with corner and grease in his hair didn’t help. Draw or not, Tank still a bad man. Be smooth though.”

The drama surrounding the Davis and Roach fight may not be over yet, after it was announced that the New York State Athletic Commission is investigating how the ninth round unfolded, with a potential change of result not ruled out but an immediate rematch more likely.

Claressa Shields, one of the biggest stars of women’s boxing, has been handed a suspension by the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission pending an investigation into a positive marijuana test following her February victory over Danielle Perkins. Shields said on social media: “I’m not SUSPENDED from boxing, I’m not stripped of my titles. I’m just waiting. Also I can’t defend a lie!”

“Ms. Shields’ conduct as a licensed professional boxer constitutes an immediate threat to the integrity of professional boxing, the public interest and the welfare and safety of professional athletes,” the Michigan Commission said on Thursday.

Marijuana is banned in-competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The World Boxing Organization (WBO), meanwhile, does not have the power to suspend boxers, but has requested a “show notice” from Shields, asking the 29-year-old to explain the positive test.

Shields took to social media to respond to the news, saying on X: “On my soul can’t nobody tarnish my image. It’s a temporary suspension til I go to trial for this very small amount of marijuana.

“I’m not SUSPENDED from boxing, I’m not stripped of my titles. I’m just waiting. Also I can’t defend a lie! Do your research!”

Shields and Perkins would have been subject to drug tests conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) for their February bout, and the positive returned test was from an “oral fluid sample”.

The Michigan Commission’s investigation has opened an investigation to consider whether Shields should face disciplinary action.

The American, who became an Olympic champion at the age of just 17, is widely considered the biggest star of women’s boxing, after bursting onto the scene with her stunning middleweight gold at London 2012.

She went on to claim every major world title in three different weight classes, and is currently undefeated in 16 fights.

Boxing superstar Claressa Shields’ MMA career might be coming to an abrupt end just three fights into her PFL tenure.

Claressa Shields is arguably one of the greatest boxers, male or female, to compete in the ring in the sport’s decorated history. After earning a slew of world championship belts, Shields opted to leap into MMA, which drew significant hype from fans, fighters, and pundits.

Shields appeared to live up to the hype when she finished Brittney Elkin in come-from-behind fashion during her 2021 PFL and professional MMA debut. Talks of a potential fight between then-PFL superstars Kayla Harrison and Shields began to surface, and the debate of who would get the better of the other in the cage ramped up.

But Shields faced her first significant case of adversity in MMA in her following fight against Abigail Montes at the 2021 PFL World Championship. She lost to Montes by split decision and struggled mightily with her ground game.

After bouncing back against Kelsey DeSantis last February, Shields seemed intrigued at potentially getting more activity in MMA over boxing. But her recent remarks potentially point to a sharp pivot from that stance.