BoxRec

Claressa Shields to face heavyweight champion Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse on July 27th

The bout will reportedly be contested at light heavyweight

Having claimed titles at 154, 160, and 168, Claressa Shields is set to challenge a fourth division when she meets WBC heavyweight champion Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse atop a July 27th DAZN show in Detroit.

To clarify my wording: Lepage-Joanisse (7-1, 2 KO) beat former super welterweight title challenger Abril Argentina Vidal for the title this past March and Salita Promotions says that belt will be on the line, but both DAZN and Shields (14-0, 2 KO) stated that the bout will be at light heavyweight. Lepage-Joanisse weighed in at 173.25 last time out, so that makes sense, but I’m unsure what all hardware is involved.

As you might imagine, the women’s talent pool isn’t particularly deep above 168, with BoxRec listing a grand total of 17 light heavyweights and 22 heavyweights. Lepage-Joanisse is BoxRec’s no. 1 among those 22, but no. 4 Tinta Smith is 1-2-1, which should tell you something. Lepage-Joanisse’s only opponent of note was future super middleweight champ Alejandra Jimenez in 2017; Lepage-Joanisse weighed in at 231 and got stopped in three.

Still, what all options does Shields have? Fight Alycia Baumgardner, a woman at least 24 pounds smaller than her? Beat up Franchon Crews-Dezurn again? Grit out another split decision in PFL? I’d watch an MMA rematch with Savannah Marshall, who makes her cage debut this Saturday, but that’s about it. There are no more meaningful worlds to conquer, at least not ones within her reach.

“The Queen of Boxing is back! I’m so excited to return to the ring, especially after my MMA victory in February,” Shields said. “I’m excited to bring another entertaining fight to Little Caesars Arena. Last time 12,000 fans filled the arena, and this time we’re going to lift the roof off the building!

“This is a significant and unique fight where I am moving up two weight classes against a very tough champion in my quest to become world champion in my fourth weight division. It’s an exciting time for women’s sports, and I thank DAZN for providing a global platform for women’s boxing. I plan to do what I do best: bring that GWOAT energy and continue putting women’s boxing on the map.”

Light Heavyweight ?
I thought she was going all the way up for a one off at Heavyweight.

Evander wrote: ↑05 Jun 2024, 03:31 Light Heavyweight ?
I thought she was going all the way up for a one off at Heavyweight.

Trying to do a Roy Jones.

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑05 Jun 2024, 03:35

Evander wrote: ↑05 Jun 2024, 03:31 Light Heavyweight ?
I thought she was going all the way up for a one off at Heavyweight.

Trying to do a Roy Jones.

A one off up and down to claim the Women's Heavyweight Championship of the World out of her weight class.
Yes she should have gone for it.
Claressa is a high level boxer puncher.
Won't be easy but she has it in her to get it over the line.

lol clarissa is not a puncher at all, she has scored 1 kd her whole career

That might be the case, but she's proper hard that one.
Saw her box live in person albeit years ago, she was vicious.

231 pounds, 5'6" tall wow

I’ve never hated a fighter more than Shields. She’s a dickhead

Fight week!!

Shields Vs. Lepage-Joanisse Fight Card

Claressa Shields vs. Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse; For Joanisse’s WBC women’s world heavyweight title

Michel Rivera vs. La Vonte Early; Super lightweight

Shohjahon Ergashev vs. Julian Smith; Super lightweight

Cameran Pankey vs. Shaileik Paisley; Featherweight

Gordie Russ II vs. Josiah Shackleford; Light middleweight

Husam Al Mashhadi vs. Bruno Leonardo Romay; Light middleweight

Ernesto Mercado vs. Hector Edgardo Sarmiento; Super lightweight

Jaquan McElroy vs. Travis Floyd; Welterweight

Samantha Worthington vs. Edina Kiss; Super lightweight

Danielle Perkins vs. Christianne Fahey; Women’s heavyweight

This looks like a good fight to not bother with.

Tonight!!

Perseus wrote: ↑24 Jul 2024, 21:43 This looks like a good fight to not bother with.

Who buys a ticket for a card like this?

Shields with the KO and now heavyweight champ, Lepage- Joanisse must be terrible

Fact that is was a KO win too

caldo2025 wrote: ↑09 Jun 2024, 11:41 I’ve never hated a fighter more than Shields. She’s a dickhead

Most obnoxious person in boxing. Didn't she once say she could beat GGG? I wish he took her up on that and knocked her head into Row Z.

For someone who wouldn't even rank in the Top 1000 if she competed with the men, she has a very high opinion of herself.

And there you go

Get yourself on the next BAM undercard Claressa