Perfect Performance by Shields Against Joanisse

By William Dumoulin
Photo credit: Salita Promotions

This Saturday, live from the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, WBC heavyweight world champion Vanessa Lepage Joanisse (7-2, 2 KO) defended her crown against the so-called "GWOAT", Claressa Shields (15-0, 3 KO). Shields was returning to the ring for the first time in over a year. It was a historic opportunity for Shields, who was seeking to become world champion in a 4th and 5th weight class, with the WBO light heavyweight title in addition to the WBC heavyweight title at stake. Here is the summary of the event.

For the grand finale of the evening, the Quebecer, accompanied by the fleur-de-lis, entered the ring with the song "Droit Devant" by Cowboys Fringants. However, things did not go as planned for the champion. After a quieter first round, Claressa Shields exploded in the second round. The "GWOAT" managed to knock down the Quebecer three times before the referee stopped the fight. Claressa Shields thus becomes one of the few female boxers in history to have won a world championship in 5 different weight classes.

Looking ahead, despite it being her second career KO loss, it wouldn't be surprising to see Joanisse return to the world championship quite quickly considering there isn't much depth in the heavyweight division. Moreover, it would be surprising for Shields to stay very long in this category, considering the big fights she seeks will have to take place in lower weight classes.

For the semi-final of the event, talented Dominican Michel Rivera (26-1, 14 KO) faced veteran Argentine Hugo Alberto Roldan (22-3-1, 7 KO). The latter was coming off a split decision loss to Batyr Jukembayev. True to form, the Argentine did not give Rivera any respite. It was not an easy fight, but the Dominican eventually won by split decision (99-90, 94-95, 98-91).

In the opening of the main card, Shohjahon Ergashev (24-2, 21 KO) boxed for the second time since his world championship loss to Subriel Matias. On this occasion, he faced American Julian Smith (9-2, 5 KO), who had caused an upset against top Cuban prospect Orestes Velasquez in his last fight. After knocking his opponent down in the 5th round, Smith once again caused an upset and won the fight by split decision (95-94, 94-95, 95-94).