Claressa Shields can match Oleksandr Usyk’s achievement by becoming an undisputed heavyweight champion | Boxing News happymamay

Promoter Dmitry Salita says Claressa Shields “stands among” elite champions such as Oleksandr Usyk ahead of her attempt to unify the heavyweight division.

The American star has already been crowned world champion in five weight divisions and could equal Oleksandr Usyk’s achievements when she bids to become the undisputed world heavyweight titleholder next month.

Usyk defeated Tyson Fury in May last year to capture all of the top division’s major belts and defended three of them in a rematch over his British rival last month, while Shields takes on Daniel Perkins for the WBC, IBF, WBA and WBO titles in Michigan on February 2.

“Boxing is an individual sport, which makes it very difficult to compare the unique and remarkable achievements of these two great fighters,” said Dmitry Salita, who promotes Shields. Sky Sports.

“What sets Clarissa apart from anyone else in boxing – past or present – ​​is her groundbreaking achievements as a pioneer in women’s sports.

“She was the first to achieve many accomplishments, breaking down barriers and opening doors to equality while remaining completely dominant in the ring.”

Both Usyk and Shields have previously excelled in the amateur ranks, with the Ukrainian winning gold at the 2012 Olympics and Shields also winning gold in London and in Rio four years later.

The 29-year-old avenged her only loss on her record, a World Amateur Championship loss to Savannah Marshall, with a unanimous decision victory to become the undisputed super middleweight champion in front of a large televised audience and sell-out crowd at The O2.

“There is no doubt that Clarissa is an all-time great, not only because of her unparalleled list of accomplishments, but also because of her unwavering faith and determination,” Salita said.

“Growing up as a young girl in Flint, Michigan, one of the most challenging environments in the United States, she had the resilience to rise above her circumstances and prove that neither her surroundings nor her gender could define her.

“For these reasons, Clarissa is a generational talent and stands among the sporting world’s all-time greats.”

Shields can extend her 15-fight unbeaten record against Perkins, who is unbeaten in five fights.

Could Shields return to Britain to face Price?

WBA welterweight champion Lauren Price has admitted she would welcome a fight against Shields at the Principality Stadium in front of her fans in Wales.

“It’s hard to get past the Olympic champions,” said Shields, who fought a division above her at super welterweight. “She won the 2021 Olympics.” Sky Sports last year.

“I feel like when you’re all over the world boxing and winning world championships, you’re destined to be great in the pros. I wish her the best of luck.”

But first Price must beat Natasha Jonas in a world title unification fight at the Royal Albert Hall on March 7.

Watch Jonas and Bryce’s match on March 7, live on Sky Sports.

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