Claressa Shields has given high praise to a current world champion, branding him a level above all others.
The 30-year-old from Flint, Michigan entered the paid ranks back in 2016 after she walked away from the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro with a Middleweight Gold Medal.
Since making her debut, Shields has gone on to win world titles across four weight classes, as well as capturing an undisputed championship in three separate divisions, becoming the first fighter in the modern era to accomplish this feat.
Her most recent outing came in February when she defeated fellow American Danielle Perkins via unanimous decision in her hometown to become the undisputed world champion up at heavyweight.
As she readies herself for her next fight, Shields has been on the other side of the ropes watching the action unfold on some of the biggest cards of the year. This past weekend was no different, when she was ringside for the Ring III card in New York.
In an interview with Fight Hub TV, an emotional Shields spoke fondly of reigning WBC lightweight Shakur Stevenson, just moments after the 28-year-old from Newark put on an impressive display against Mexico’s William Zepeda.
“I’m so proud of him, I think I might start crying … Man he used his skill, used his jab, he fought on the inside, he took very little punches but he had such a great game plan.
“Everybody keeps on doubting him and keep trying to make it seem like he ain’t the one. Shakur is the one, man, and anybody you put him up against, anybody, he’s gonna win and I always say that.”
Stevenson defeated Zepeda via wide unanimous decision at the Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York City on Saturday night to extend his unbeaten record to 24-0. In a noteworthy performance, Stevenson silenced critics who said he refused to engage with dangerous opponents, sitting in the pocket with Zepeda and countering precisely.
The 28-year-old has now been tipped to move on to a potential unification showdown, with the majority of the boxing world still hoping that he will go on to face long-term rival and WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis.
