Claressa Shields is looking to collect some more crowns in the heavyweight division.
After making her division debut in July and knocking out Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse in two rounds for the WBC and WBO titles, the four-division champion Shields (15-0, 3 KOs) will take on Danielle Perkins (5-0, 2 KOs) on February 2 for the vacant WBA heavyweight title.
The homecoming fight takes place at the Dort Financial Center in Shields’ hometown of Flint, Michigan. It will headline a Salita Promotions show billed as “Super Brawl Sunday” on DAZN.
"I feel so blessed at this point in my life and my career,” said Shields. “But make no mistake, every blessing came with blood, sweat, and tears behind it. My home in Flint helped make me the person I am today. That city, with all its struggles and strengths, built something in me that can't be broken. Without Flint and the determination I developed there at a young age, I don't know if I'd be here today. I can't wait for this homecoming event. Danielle Perkins is undefeated and a strong contender, but I've been fighting my whole life, not just in the ring.
"Whether it was in my personal life, in the amateur boxing ring, or as a professional world champion, I simply do not fail. February 2 will be no different.”
Shields, 29, a two-time U.S. Olympic gold medalist, is also looking to prove she’s a box office draw in theaters. On December 25, her biopic “The Fire Inside” starring Ryan Destiny details her life and career.
Looking to pump the brakes on Shields’ mounting momentum is the 42-year-old Perkins.
Perkins, once a college basketball player at St. John’s University and pro baller in Europe, picked up boxing after she sustained severe injuries while being struck by a car. After winning the 2019 IBA Women’s World Championships, Perkins turned pro in 2020 and last fought on the Shields-Lepage-Joanisse undercard, scoring a six-round unanimous decision win against Christianne Fahey.
“I am more than excited to get in the ring with one of the best fighters in the world,” said Perkins. “I am looking forward to showcasing my skills to the world … I’m coming back to make another statement.”
Manouk Akopyan is the lead U.S. writer for The Ring. Follow him on X and Instagram.