Undisputed Champion: The undisputed middleweight champion, Claressa Shields, has welcomed a high-profile matchup with Natasha Jonas as she plans to visit the UK in 2023.
Shields is riding the wave of her thrilling victory over Savannah Marshall at The O2 last October, and Jonas is in the best shape of her career as the undisputed super-welterweight champion. Both fighters have made no secret of their interest in what is expected to be one of the biggest fights in women’s boxing this year.
The IBF female light middleweight title was won by Jonas last November after she defeated Marie-Eve Dicaire in a unanimous decision. According to Shields’ promoter Dmitry Salita, the American is awaiting Jonas’ reaction to her invitation.
Salita said to Sky Sports, “We adore the fight. The onus is now on Natasha since, despite having been offered the chance to face Claressa, she has not stepped forward to accept the challenge.”
When Shields and Marshall headlined a historic all-card women’s in London last year, Shields put on a clinical performance to win, the self-described “GWOAT” appearing unaffected by the hostile environment that surrounded her during fight week.
The 27-year-old is willing to take on Jonas on British soil, in fact.
Salita responded, “Sure, we love UK boxing culture, its followers, and its media. Visiting the UK for boxing is always a vacation.”
Being one of the major voices in the fight for equal pay and opportunities for female boxers and athletes, Shields has long fought for equality in boxing.
A fight between Jonas and a name at the top of their respective disciplines awaits as another historic, landmark addition to the boxing schedule.
Salita emphasised the significance of each of her battles, saying they all advanced women’s boxing and culture in general towards equality. “It is her ambition to excel and her willingness to take on the toughest obstacles in the ring that will spark interest and propel the sport to new heights.
“From her professional debut, where she defeated current unified world champion Franchón Crews-Dezurn, to her second fight, where she became the first female boxer to headline a premium cable television boxing card in prime time on Showtime, to her final fight, which was initially postponed due to the passing of the Queen and took on even more significance because it was against her longtime rival Savanna Marshall.
“Claressa travelled a great distance from her home to take revenge for her lone defeat in a match that set new records for women’s sports and boxing in terms of viewing.
“Flint, Michigan, in the United States, was one of the hardest locations for Claressa to grow up. She is aware of her responsibilities, invests time and resources in her community, and knows what she stands for internationally.”
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