The undisputed, undefeated middleweight world champion Claressa “GWOAT” Shields is focused on collecting more gold as she is set to challenge the WBC world heavyweight champion Vanessa LePage-Joanisse on Saturday night, July 27th, at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, live on DAZN.
The Flint, Michigan native Claressa Shields is a two-time undisputed world champion who has won world titles in three different weight classes. Shields is confident that at the conclusion of her bout on Saturday night, she will be a four-division world champion.
The last time Shields competed inside the squared circle was back in June 2023 when she defended her undisputed middleweight crown against Maricela Cornejo. Shields was very aggressive as she was focused on making a statement.
The undisputed middleweight champion started the bout off by planting her feet and throwing hard overhand rights and left hooks. Shields was extremely accurate with her power shots as she was going for the knockout, but she had to settle for the unanimous decision victory.
Now, the 29-year-old Claressa Shields (14-0, 2 KOs) is ready to move up to another weight class and add another belt to her collection. Standing in her way is a resilient fighter who is determined to hold on to her title.
Canadian boxer Vanessa LePage-Joanisse made her pro boxing debut back in March 2016 when she earned a split-decision victory over Annie Mazerolle. Two months later, LePage-Joanisse gave Mazerolle a rematch and this time, she won via unanimous decision.
In her third professional bout, Vanessa LePage-Joanisse stopped Maria Jose Velis in the third round. On the night of August 12, 2017, Alejandra Jimenez stopped LePage-Joanisse in the third round.
After suffering her first career loss as a pro, Vanessa LePage-Joanisse decided to go on a six year hiatus. Once she made her return to the sport of boxing, she proceeded to win three fights in a row.
Back in March 2024, LePage-Joanisse defeated Abril Argentina Vidal by way of a split decision and won the vacant WBC world heavyweight title. Now Vanessa LePage-Joanisse (7-1, 2 KOs) is set to make her first title defense against an all-time great.
The reigning WBC champion LePage-Joanisse is good at changing levels with the jab, and getting inside to throw her power shots. With that being said, she’s is probably tailor made for Claressa Shields due to the fact that Shields is on a different level in regards to speed, punch placement, and ring IQ.
The 29-year-old LePage-Joanisse is a defending champion who is going into this fight as a huge underdog. She is not saying much, but she’s confident in regards to bringing her belt back to Canada.
“I’m not a trash talker. I respect Claressa Shields, and I know what she’s accomplished, but a fight is a fight. I’ll be ready Saturday night, and I’m coming home with the belt in my suitcase. It’s going to be a fight, but I’m going to win it.”
Claressa Shields believes after the fight is over LePage-Joanisse is leaving Detroit and going home to Canada. However, Shields doubts her opponent will return home with the belt.
“She says she doesn’t trash talk. I trash talk and back it up. I will be heavyweight champion on Saturday, and nobody will stand in my way. Her size means nothing to me. I’m coming from 160 pounds, but I will be the bear Saturday night… she rubs me the wrong way. When I take her belt from her, she’s going back to Canada with nothing.”