Claressa Shields Wins a One-Sided Decision over Tori Nelson
By Matt Andrzejewski
VERONA, NY — Clarissa Shields (5-0, 2 KO’s) coasted to an easy unanimous decision to defend her 168 pound title belts against Tori Nelson (17-1- 3, 2 KO’s) on Friday night in Verona, NY. The
win for Shields takes another step toward a highly anticipated match with 160 pound belt holder Christina Hammer (22-0, 10 KO’s) sometime in the near future. Hammer, who was originally slated to appear on the undercard before that contest fell apart, was in attendance to watch Shields on Friday.
After a bit of a feeling out process in the first, Shields’ better skill and athletic ability began to show in the second. She began landing hard power shots with both hands at will on Nelson who
was offering little in the form of her own offense.
The next two rounds saw Shields throwing in combination successfully landing some telling blows on Nelson. Nelson was trying her best and swinging for the fences in spots but Shields would often make her miss and then successfully counter the wide openings that were presented.
In round five, it appeared possible that Shields may get the knockout she badly desired when she seemed to shake Nelson with a few hard rights. But Nelson was game and showed a good set of whiskers though she was starting to take a beating.
After Shields again dominated round six, she seemed to take her foot off the gas some in the seventh. This was perhaps the closest round of the fight as Nelson landed a few decent blows with Shields presumably resting against the ropes. But Shields would close the round strong taking away any brief confidence that Nelson may have built.
Rounds eight and nine were once again completely controlled by Shields. The only question entering the tenth and final round was whether or not Nelson would last the distance? Shields came out firing to start the tenth going for the finish but could not hurt the tough Nelson with anything that was landed. Nelson played defense and did some holding to ensure she would make it to the end for some sort of morale victory.
Shields took care of business and dominated a previously undefeated fighter in Nelson. Questions will certainly be raised about why Shields was unable to get rid of a 41 year old opponent who was naturally smaller. It could be that Nelson has a granite chin. It could also be that Shields’ power is not that lethal. Or it could be a combination of both. As Shields progresses, we will learn more and the answers may come in the proposed super fight against Christina Hammer in the not so distant future.
Photo: Marilyn Paulino