Claressa Shields moves up to Boxing Heavyweight

While Claressa Shields is a 2x Olympic Gold Medalist and a perfect 14-0 as a professional in boxing, many critics have commented about the level of competition in the weight categories she has been competing in.  Those critics won’t get any quieter with  news that the 3 division champion will be moving up to the Heavyweight category for her next boxing fight to face a fighter in Lepage-Joanisse who is only 7-1 in professional boxing.

Shields who is currently 2-1 in MMA was recently scheduled for a 155lbs MMA fight with PFL, however when she was unable to make the contracted weight she had to ask her opponent to agree to a catchweight fight.  While Shields would go on to win the fight, many critics viewed the performance as lacking.

Claressa who has called for fights with Alycia Baumgardner, Cris cyborg, Cecilia Braekhus and other stars of combat sports seems to be stranded on an island without any real competition for the fans to get excited about.  While Cyborg, Baumgardner, and Braekhus could bring some fan interest all three of those fighters have said Claressa Shields will have to make 147 pounds, while Shields has tried to campaign for these fights at 154lbs, despite having not competed at that weight in nearly 3 years.

What do you think of Shields decision to move up in weight for another belt in a less competitive division instead of looking to lose weight and make the superfights happen?

Cyborg returns to the sport of Boxing June 15th as the Main Event of Crypto Fight Night in London England.  Fans wanting to show support for MMA’s only Grand Slam Champion can get tickets here for her fight.  Currently 2-0 in professional boxing a strong performance in london could lead to a Cyborg x Braekhus mega fight this winter.