What’s Next For Claressa Shields?

Claressa Shields defeated Lani Daniels to retain her undisputed heavyweight title, as we look at her next steps. 

Shields made the first defense of her belt, which she had acquired after stopping Danielle Perkins to clean up the heavyweight division. That feat added to her list of achievements at 154 and 160 pounds, where she was also undisputed. Now, Shields has to make a decision as to who she should face next. 

Options

One of those names could be Savannah Marshall. A third fight could play out based on their record. Marshall won their first fight during the amateurs, while Shields gained her revenge by securing a win in their pro fight. That win also made Shields undisputed at 160. Since that defeat, Marshall went on to become undisputed at 168. However, she is coming off a loss against Shadasia Green, meaning the fight may not be as big. 

The alternative is to face Green. Green is one of the leading contenders at 168, having beaten Marshall in a split-decision victory. Green has publicly expressed her desire to fight Shields, potentially setting up a rivalry that could turn out to be another Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano. It is also a mega domestic clash, giving both boxers the chance to earn a huge purse.  

Alternatively, Shields may target a “super-fight” with Laila Ali. The latter retired with an undefeated record of 24-0. She retired in 2007, but the 47-year-old has said she will come back if the terms are right for a Shields fight. Ali has demanded a mega $15 million purse to make the fight happen, something Shields is also behind. If the money materializes, it is arguably the biggest fight from a commercial point of view to be made. 

The Future

“I want to thank every one of my fans who purchased tickets, flights, drove here. This is my dream, to have over 16,000 people here means so much. She didn’t fight until the last three rounds. She headbutted me twice. She’s tough, strong, and she has a big head. I went to the body a lot, to the head a lot. I fought at range, on the inside. She was tricky. But I knew I won every round. Anyone can get it. That’s the truth. I want to make the biggest fights, and the best fights,” Shields said