Boxing screens first crowned undisputed women’s heavyweight world champion

(Reuters) – American Claressa Shields was crowned for Boxing’s first undisputed world champion in three weight classes on Sunday after beating countrymen Danielle Perkins to the women’s heavyweight title by unanimous decision in front of a home audience in Flint, Michigan.

Shields, who also won gold medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, landed a powerful right hand with seconds to go in the 10th and final round, knock down Perkins and improve his professional career record to 16-0.

The victory makes 29-year-old shields an undisputed champion in a third weight class, adding her undisputed titles in middle weight and light weight divisions.

She is the only boxer, male or woman, to achieve the brag.

“It feels incredible to be honest. I had a really hard training camp. And just last Friday, I tore my labrum in my left shoulder so I was unable to use my good jab today,” Shields said.

“But I wouldn’t call the fight off because I had asked God to give me a great battle in my hometown. He did it. So I decided to continue with it.

“I feel so happy. And shout to my opponent, Danielle Perkins. Man, that girl was strong like hell.”

(Reporting Aadi Nair in Nashik, India; Editing Saad Sayeed)