Claressa Shields moved into a class of her own on Friday as she defeated Marie-Eve Dicaire by unanimous decision on Friday to capture the IBF and WBA junior welterweight titles. By doing so, she became the first boxer of the four-belt era to earn undisputed titles in two divisions.
Shields and Dicaire fought in Flint, Michigan in front of approximately 200 fans. From the opening bell, Shields controlled the fight and forced Dicaire to come to her. This strategy set up for effective counter punching. However, the Flint native did become frustrated at times as Dicaire successfully held and leaned on Shields to help slow down the onslaught of shots. During the sixth and seventh rounds, it appeared as if Shields would score a knockout, but the two-minute rounds stopped any chance of an early finish.
"She never really wanted to win the fight," Shields said after the fight.
"She just wanted to be able to say she went all 10, which I don't have that kind of mentality. To me, that's weak, and I'd rather go down on my shield any day and give it a good fight."
The undisputed champion improved to 11-0 with two knockouts. Moving forward, it appears that Shields will make a move to mixed martial arts and debut in the Professional Fighters League this summer. However, it also appears that another rivalry is brewing in the world of boxing. Middleweight titlist Savannah Marshall has repeatedly called out Shields and she is firing right back.
Marshall is represented by Eddie Hearn, who also represents Anthony Joshua. As previously reported, Anthony Joshua will likely face Tyson Fury for the undisputed heavyweight title later this year. With Marshall fighting in April, it could set up for a late summer or early fall card that includes Joshua-Fury and Shields-Marshall. Only time will tell.
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