Claressa Shields bids for Natasha Jonas superfight as undisputed champion returns to UK | boxing news
Claressa Shields has set up a blockbuster clash with Natasha Jonas as the undisputed middleweight champion looks to return to the UK in 2023.
Both fighters have made no secret of their interest in what could be one of the biggest matches of the year in women’s boxing, with Shields building on the momentum of last October’s win over Savannah Marshall at the O2 and Jonas. his life as a unified super featherweight champion.
Shields promoter Dmitri Salita said he was awaiting a response to the offer from American Jonas, who won a unanimous decision over Marie-Eva Dicker last November to add the IBF women’s light middleweight title to her belt.
“We love the fight,” Salita told Sky Sports. “The ball’s in Natasha’s court, I know she’s talked about wanting to fight Claressa, but after the offer was made she didn’t come around to taking it up.”
Shields put on a clinical display against longtime foe Marshall as the pair headlined a historic women’s card in London last year, with the self-proclaimed “GWOAT” seemingly impervious to the hostile atmosphere that followed her throughout fight week. .
So much so that the 27-year-old footballer is ready to meet Jonas on British soil.
“Yes, we love British boxing culture, the fans and the media,” Salita said. “Boxing coming to the UK is always a public holiday.”
Shields has long championed equality in boxing as one of the leading voices in the push for equal pay and opportunities for female boxers and athletes.
A meeting with Jonas awaits two names at the top of their game as another monumental and historic addition to the boxing calendar.
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More than two million viewers watched Claressa Shields v Savannah Marshall, making it the most-watched women’s professional boxing event in history and the biggest audience for a live women’s sporting event ever on Sky.
“It’s very important that every single one of her fights is historic and has moved women’s boxing and the culture in general towards equality,” explained Salita. “He wants to be the best and overcome the toughest challenges possible in the ring, spark interest and push the sport to new heights.
“From her professional debut defeating current unification world champion Franchon Crews-Deszurn to her second pro fight when she became the first woman to headline a boxing card on premium cable television on Showtime and her final performance. Originally postponed due to Queen’s death, it gave her fight against longtime rival Savannah Marshall even more significance.
“Claressa traveled thousands of miles from home to avenge her only loss in another event that broke not only boxing but also women’s sports record attendances.
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According to Natasha Jonas, a fight with Claressa Shields is a much-needed challenge in 2023 and should not be difficult to overcome.
Claressa grew up in Flint, Michigan, one of the toughest places in the US. He understands his role, gives his time and money back to his community, and understands what he means to the world. “
Marshall himself has stated that he would like to face Shields in a rematch, recently stating that a change of tactics would lead him to victory should they meet again.
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