Classa Shields, with a record of 16-0 and 3 knockouts, has become the undisputed champion of the female heavyweight division after defeating Danielle Perkins, who has a record of 5-1 and 0 knockouts, by unanimous decision with scores of 100-89, 99-90, and 97-92. The fight took place in Shields’ hometown of Flint, Michigan. Despite the noticeable size difference between the two fighters, it was Shields’ experience as a double Olympic champion and the age difference – Shields is 29, while Perkins is 42 – that proved to be more decisive in the outcome of the fight.
Shields has made history by becoming the first boxer to be crowned undisputed champion in three different weight categories. Only a few male fighters, including Oleksandr Usyk, Naoya Inoue, and Terence Crawford, have achieved this feat in two divisions. Among female fighters, Katie Taylor has also been a champion in two weight divisions. Shields had previously proclaimed herself the ‘Gwoat’ (Greatest Woman of All Time), and this victory has solidified her position as one of the top fighters in her sport.
From the start of the fight, it was clear that Shields’ speed would give her an advantage. She was able to use her quickness to evade Perkins’ attacks and land effective blows. The second round was particularly entertaining, as Perkins realized that Shields was a formidable opponent and began to take more risks in her attacks. The third round was also intense, with both fighters exchanging blows. Shields continued to dominate the fight, using her jab to keep Perkins at bay and landing several powerful punches.
As the fight wore on, Perkins began to tire, but she refused to give up, continuing to throw punches with a lot of power and intensity. Despite her bravery, Shields was able to maintain her advantage, and in the ninth round, she began to pull away. In the tenth and final round, Shields sent Perkins to the canvas just before the bell, securing her victory. The female 10×2 division is known for its intense fights, and this bout was no exception.
After the fight, Shields revealed that she had been struggling with an injury, having broken the labrum in her left arm just a week earlier. She had considered pulling out of the fight but did not want to disappoint her hometown fans. Despite the injury, Shields was able to adapt her fighting style and still manage to secure a decisive victory. Her triumph comes at a time when a biographical film about her early years in boxing, titled ‘The Fire Inside,’ has been released.