Claressa Shields achieved another milestone in her illustrious career by becoming boxing's first-ever women's undisputed heavyweight champion. The two-time Olympic gold medalist claimed this historic title with a unanimous decision victory over Danielle Perkins at the Dort Financial Center, located in her hometown of Flint, Michigan, on February 2, 2025.
The victory added to Shields' already impressive resume, where she has titles across five different weight classes. The fight was not just another bout for the self-proclaimed "GWOAT" (Greatest Woman of All Time), but it marked her recognition as the only three-division undisputed champion within the four-belt era. Scores from the judges reflected Shields' dominance throughout the ten rounds, with two scoring it 100-89 and the other 99-90 and 97-92.
Despite having recently torn her labrum, which noticeably hindered her primary weapon—the jab—Shields adapted quickly. "It feels really unbelievable, to be honest," she expressed to DAZN’s Claudia Trejos post-fight. Undeterred by her injury, Shields switched her focus to utilizing her straight right hand and overhand rights effectively against the southpaw Perkins.
Throughout the fight, it was evident from the start who was the superior fighter. Shields, known for her speed and dexterous footwork, wove through Perkins' punches, landing powerful jabs and speeding combinations. The first major sign of trouble for Perkins came during the third round when Shields landed her overhand right, showcasing her capability even with limited movement forthcoming from her injury.
The fight intensified as it progressed. Shields continued to dominate, securing her first knockdown just 15 seconds before the final bell, landing another vicious right hand on Perkins' chin. Perkins managed to get back to her feet quickly, but Shields was relentless, showcasing her knockout power and skill.
Competing against Perkins, who stood at 6’2” and had her height and weight advantage, was no simple task. Perkins was considered the naturally bigger fighter, having transitioned from her earlier career as part of the St. John’s basketball team. Yet, as the fight evolved, she was left grasping to find her footing against Shields' tactical wizardry and relentless attack.
Shields' ability to maintain control of the fight was remarkable. According to official statistics, she landed 29% of her punches and 36% of her power punches, compared to Perkins, who only achieved 19%. The effective use of her left hook throughout the match illuminated Shields' remarkable adaptability.
The atmosphere at the Dort Financial Center was electric, filled with nearly full capacity fans supporting their hometown champion. Though Shields competed against Perkins, the fight transcended the ring, heralding Shields’ rise as not just a boxer, but a cultural figure within her community.
Post-fight, Shields expressed excitement about her future within the sport, stating, "Honestly, I want to fight two more times this year." She named potential opponents, including Franchon Crews-Dezurn, Hanna Gabriels, and even suggested revisiting the boxing ring with Savannah Marshall, among other notable combat sports champions like Cris Cyborg and Laila Ali.
Her performances in the ring continuously advocate for women’s boxing, and Shields has been vocal about pushing for equal treatment and opportunities for female athletes. She aspires to see changes like longer rounds and broader acceptance of women's boxing across different weight classes.
Shields stands at the forefront as one of the sport's top figures, bridging the gap for the next generation of female boxers. Each victory fuels her ambition, and Shields remains driven to cultivate her legacy even more. This latest win certainly adds another accolade to her impressive list, which will linger as part of boxing history.