Undisputed heavyweight champion Claressa Shields has cemented her place at the pinnacle of women’s boxing, with her promoter, Dmitriy Salita, declaring her the pound-for-pound No. 1 fighter in the world. The assertion comes on the heels of Shields’ dominant unanimous decision victory over Franchon Crews-Dezurn on Sunday, extending her perfect professional record to 18-0. The debate over the top spot in women’s boxing has long centered around Shields and Katie Taylor, but Salita firmly believes Shields has earned the distinction.
Shields’ accomplishments are undeniable. A two-time Olympic gold medalist, she has amassed a remarkable 18 world championships across five different weight classes. She is the only female boxer to have held major world titles in three separate weight divisions, a testament to her versatility and dominance. This sustained success, coupled with her growing ability to draw crowds, sets her apart, according to Salita.
While acknowledging the significant impact of Katie Taylor, a trailblazer in the sport, Salita emphasized Shields’ unique combination of in-ring prowess and star power. “Katie Taylor is a historic figure in boxing, and I’ve said many times – personally and professionally – that I’m a fan of hers and what she has done for the sport,” Salita told Sky Sports. “That said, Claressa Shields is definitively the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in women’s boxing today.”
Shields’ Rise to the Top
Salita highlighted that Shields possesses an “IT” factor, the ability to headline events and consistently sell out arenas, regardless of her opponent. He believes this ability to draw fans is a key differentiator. Shields’ career has been marked by consistent challenges and a willingness to move between weight classes, demonstrating her commitment to facing the best competition. A pivotal moment came in 2022 with her victory over Savannah Marshall in London, a fight widely considered a contender for fight of the year. Sky Sports reported on Salita’s comments following Shields’ recent win.
Looking Ahead: Mayer as a Potential Opponent
Following her heavyweight title defense against Danielle Perkins, Shields is now setting her sights on a potential clash with unified world super-welterweight champion Mikaela Mayer. Mayer has recently secured back-to-back victories over Sandy Ryan and Mary Spencer, solidifying her position as a formidable opponent. Salita indicated that Shields is open to returning to the 160-pound weight class to pursue meaningful fights, including a potential bout with Shadasia Green. BoxingScene.com noted that Salita sees the matchup with Mayer as a logical next step for Shields.
Salita emphasized Shields’ relentless pursuit of greatness, noting her willingness to travel and grab on any challenge. “Since the very beginning of her career, Claressa has chased greatness,” he said. “She’s moved up and down in weight. She’s crossed oceans. She has taken on the toughest challenges available to her.”
The rivalry between Shields and Crews-Dezurn, which began with their first professional bout in November 2016, culminated in a respectful exchange after Sunday’s fight. Salita noted the mutual respect that developed between the two fighters, acknowledging their shared contributions to elevating women’s boxing. Crews-Dezurn underwent evaluation for knee and ankle issues before being cleared to compete, demonstrating her commitment to the match.
As Claressa Shields continues to dominate the sport, the question remains: who will be the next challenger to test her reign? The potential matchup with Mikaela Mayer looms large, promising a compelling clash of styles and a significant test for both fighters. The future of women’s boxing appears bright, with Shields leading the charge and inspiring a new generation of athletes.
What are your thoughts on Claressa Shields being ranked as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter? Share your opinions in the comments below and join the conversation.
