Claressa Shields, often heralded as the “GWOAT” or Great Woman of All Time, continues to break barriers and redefine excellence in women’s boxing. With an impressive record that includes two Olympic gold medals and championship titles across five different weight classes, Shields is no stranger to historic achievements. As she prepares for her next bout against Danielle Perkins on February 2, the stakes are even higher—Shields has her sights set on becoming the unified women’s heavyweight champion.
The upcoming clash with Perkins is critical for Shields, who is vying for the WBC, WBO, and IBF heavyweight belts. This fight represents more than just an opportunity to add more accolades to her already stellar career; it symbolizes a strategic shift as Shields has opted to move up in weight in search of more substantial challenges in the ring. Notably, Shields secured the WBC heavyweight title last July, achieving a decisive two-round victory over Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse—a testament to her skills and determination. But Perkins, undefeated at 5-0, will be looking to establish her own legacy and prove she belongs in the conversation with elite competitors.
At just 29 years old, Shields has shown an intense desire to excel and push her physical limits, opting for the heavyweight division as a means to further motivate and challenge herself. The choice reflects a commitment to growth not only as a fighter but as an athlete poised for continual evolution. Shields’ move up in weight serves as a source of inspiration for both aspiring boxers and seasoned professionals. The prospect of her potential success paves the way for new narratives in women’s boxing, showing that greatness is not stagnant and that champions can continually seek out tougher competitions.
Amid this exciting next chapter, the ongoing rivalry between Shields and Savannah Marshall looms large. Their previous encounter in October 2022 was an epic showdown that captured significant attention, not only for the quality of the boxing but also for the drama that surrounded it—Marshall being Shields’ sole professional defeat at the time. In recent discussions, Marshall has expressed her intention to follow Shields to the heavyweight division and seek a rematch. She sees this as an opportunity to avenge her earlier loss, adding fuel to an already fiery rivalry. Marshall stated her desire to compete in March before potentially setting up a summer bout with Shields, which promises to rekindle the interest of fans and generate significant buzz within the sport.
If both boxers emerge victorious from their respective battles, it would reignite a fresh wave of anticipation for a rematch, showing that both Shields and Marshall maintain a keen interest in what the other is doing. The prospect of a pay-per-view showdown—especially one exploring the heavyweight division—could become one of the biggest events in women’s boxing history. Fans and experts alike speculate about how a second meeting would unfold, pondering whether it could see a different outcome or even lead to a trilogy of fights that cements their legacies further.
Claressa Shields’ journey toward unifying the heavyweight division represents not just a personal achievement but also a significant milestone for women’s boxing as a whole. The anticipated battle with Perkins sets the stage for an important moment in her career while the prospect of a future rematch with Savannah Marshall adds layers of intrigue and excitement. As these athletes continue to push their physical and competitive boundaries, they inspire a new wave of talent and recognition in a sport that has historically lacked visibility. The future looks bright for Shields, and as she aims for further greatness, the fight is on for her to cement her legacy as one of the all-time greats.