Claressa Shields is a unique personality, and a once-in-a-lifetime-type of fighter. The fastest to become an undisputed world champion in all of boxing taking only nine fights to achieve this accomplishment. Only to replicate the feat two fights later to become an undisputed super welterweight world champion. Last summer, Shields did the unthinkable as she became a three-division undisputed world champion, by defeating Savannah Marshall, as she has held every widely recognized title in the super welterweight division, middleweight, and super middleweight division. Most of the modern champions, who hold titles in those divisions have won belts after Shields’ vacated them.
Shields domination of women’s boxing has been widely reported previously. Shields has been at the forefront of the women’s boxing revolution along with her contemporary Katie Taylor.
Her promoter, Dmitry Salita of Salita Promotions sees a comparison between Shields and, the great Muhammad Ali.
“Muhammad Ali was a great fighter, but he had [a] greater voice based on what he repented and stood for,” said Salita to ProBox TV News. “Boxers use their platform to progress social change through their talent and megaphone…Claressa certainly has been that. She is the right person at the right time. She is the right person [as in the world] we are going through change. Coming from Flint, Michigan, one of the most challenged [places] in the United States as [a] young person made a choice every day to be a champion before [women’s boxing was developed a] business then she won an Olympic gold medal [then she won it a second time], and the rest is history."
Shields has the enviable task of being so impressive, only a few names come to mind when suggesting a viable opponent - as world-class fighters seem no match for her, it takes a truly special talent to get us excited for what is next for Claressa Shields. In her last outing, earlier this month, she made a triumphant return as defeated Maricela Cornejo, a veteran of the sport of boxing, in a homecoming fight in Detroit, Michigan. Now Salita outlined what the future might hold for Shields as Natasha Jonas, who fights for the vacant IBF super welterweight women’s title, this weekend at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England, against Kandi Wyatt, quite possibly could be the top name on their list it seems, given how Jonas performs this weekend.
Beyond just names and fights, Salita is hoping to take Shields around the world as he doesn’t just see Shields as a boxer, but a symbol of hope. Salita mentioned Shields in the same sentence as Jackie Robinson, the first black player to play in Major League Baseball. Salita feels that Shields can offer a beacon of hope to many, and that boxing is her platform to spread this message.
“My goal is for [Shields] to have an opportunity to fight in Africa and the Middle East,” furthered Salita about plans for Shields. “Because of who she is and what she represents. First of all, it will have [a positive effect on the world] and it will be remembered forever, not unlike what [Muhammad Ali did with his fights outside of the United States].”
