Claressa Shields climbs back into the boxing ring on Saturday and is challenging for a world title at heavyweight against champion Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse.
In addition to Lepage-Joanisse’s WBC heavyweight title, the WBF heavyweight crown and the WBO light heavyweight belt are also on the line.
If Shields wins, she will become the first four and five-division champion in women’s boxing history, further solidifying her claim as the GWOAT, the Greatest Woman of All Time. Here’s how you can watch Shields chase history.
- Date: Saturday, July 27
- Time: 8pm ET
- Viewing: DAZN
Who is Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse?
Most people know Shields, but fans may need to be more familiar with the heavyweight champion who will oppose the boxing legend. Lepage-Joanisse has only had eight professional fights in her career.
She’s 7-1 with 2 KOs. Lepage-Joanisse stands just 5’6”, despite competing at heavyweight. She won the title in March via a split decision over Abril Argentina Vidal. It would appear Lepage-Joanise needs to gain the speed and pure boxing skill to outbox Shields, and her limited KO history suggests it may be difficult for her to stop the future Hall-of-Famer.
In some ways, Lepage-Joanise appears to be the perfect opponent for the next phase of Shields’ trek to Canastota.
What’s Claressa Shields’ Motivation?
In many ways, Shields has done all there is to do in boxing. She doesn’t have many realistic challenges. The only female boxers on her level from an accomplishment and skill standpoint are too far away from her weight region.
Shields has had some success in MMA, and her warrior spirit is apparent in any arena. However, at 29, Shields still has some tread on her tires, and in addition to looking for excellent paydays, she’s also on the hunt for challenges.
We’ll find out on Saturday night if Lepage-Joanise can provide that for her or if she’ll be another footnote to a legendary career.
