Claressa Shields a Heavyweight Champion and Light Heavyweight Champion, plus other results

By David A. Avila

Claressa Shields won again. This time against WBC heavyweight champion Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse on Saturday.

And it was by knockout.

In an incredible display of multi-tasking Shields (15-0, 3 Kos) promoted, sold tickets, rallied fans to support Flint’s water cause and then promptly knocked out Canada’sLepage-Joanisse  (7-2, 2 Kos) in front of a large crowd at Detroit, Michigan.

It was breathtaking.

Shields was a blur around the neighborhoods of Detroit all week and even during the night of the fight she could be seen greeting customers inside the arena. I wouldn’t be surprised if she checked on the concession stands too to make certain things were kosher.

After three renditions of national anthems including the Black national anthem, Shields and a parade of drummers, singers and courtesans walked into the arena to a loud ovation. The undisputed super welterweight and middleweight division champion acknowledged fellow athletes, celebrities and fans as she approached the boxing ring.

It’s where she does business.

After a touching of the gloves, the Canadian heavyweight and American challenger opened up the first minute of the first round tentatively. And during an exchange Shields connected with a quick left hook that stunned Lepage-Joanisse before the end of the round.

It was a foretelling blow.

“I went in there real slow the first round, because listen, I’m no dummy, she’s a heavyweight and an excellent puncher. So, I wanted to make sure I didn’t get caught,” explained Shields who is managed by Mark Taffet and promoted by Salita Promotions.

In the second round the cautious approach seen in the opening frame was gone. Shields seemed cocked and ready to punish any mistake by the Canadian heavyweight. It came quick and Shields connected with a barrage of blows including a right hand bomb. Down went Lepage-Joanisse.

The Canadian bravely got up.

Immediately Shields attacked with a swarm of blows and down went the heavyweight champion again. One right hand found the mark in brutal fashion.

Again Lepage-Joanisse got up.

“I kept countering any of her shots and when I hurt her,” Shields said.

Seconds later the Canadian was down again and this time for good at 1:09 of the second round. Shields becomes the WBO light heavyweight and WBC heavyweight titlist all in one.

“I shocked myself, I’m not going to lie,” said Shields who now becomes a five-division world champion and added another knockout to her resume. The last was seven years ago versus Nikki Adler.

Shields said that from 154 to heavyweight all options are open for anyone to challenge her. That’s something no one including male fighters have ever attempted.

As athletes of any sport are prone to say: she’s in a zone. A zone of excellence at age 29.

One further note: a biopic about Shields is expected to debut in December called “The Fire Inside.”

Other bouts

In a super lightweight fight Samantha Worthington (9-0, 7 KOs) connected with a body shot in the first round against veteran Edina Kiss (16-21) who was unable to fight after the end of the second round.  The hard-hitting Kentuckian showed speed and skill.

Heavyweight contender Danielle Perkins (5-0, 2 Kos) defeated Scotland’s Christianne Fahey (2-2, 2 Kos) in a rousing and entertaining six round fight. Though bloodied in the second round the Scottish fighter put up a stern battle and managed to survive an onslaught by Perkins.

Fans got their money’s worth in this heavyweight clash that saw Perkins win by unanimous decision.