Flint, Michigan’s pride and joy Claressa Shields is about to square off against Brooklyn, New York’s Danielle Perkins on February 2nd at the Dort Financial Center in her hometown. The pair came face-to-face for the first time ahead of their undisputed heavyweight title fight at the Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit, Michigan, on January 7th. And it ended with something unusual!

Shields is coming off a second-round knockout victory over Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse of Quebec, Canada in July last year. On the other hand, Perkins also secured a unanimous decision win in the same month over Christianne Fahey of the United Kingdom. Regardless, as Shields and Perkins faced off for their fight next month, the latter did something that left fans stunned.

What did Danielle Perkins do? Claressa Shields reveals the truth

As the two fighters faced off for the first time, Perkins reached toward Shields’ face, seemingly brushing something away from her eye. The moment sparked some confusion, with fans speculating that Perkins had put her fist to Shields’ face. However, Shields took to social media to set the record straight.

Earlier today, Shields shared a clip of the face-off on X. Reacting to the footage, one fan asked, “Did she put her fist to ur face?” Shields promptly clarified, “She moved my hair out my eye.” Interestingly, despite the tension surrounding the face-off, Perkins expressed gratitude for the chance to face Shields for the undisputed heavyweight title next month. 

During the open media workout, she revealed, “I don’t think I’ve ever cried tears of joy. Hearing about this opportunity to fight Claressa [Shields] was my first time doing that.” Still, Perkins remains confident about her chances in the ring. “Size, strength, and power are the attributes I will bring to this fight,” she stated. 

“I don’t think I am like anyone else she has ever fought. Claressa [Shields] is a phenomenal middleweight but has never gone more than two rounds at heavyweight. All my experience is at heavyweight, so I have a lot of rounds under my belt.” Regardless, Perkins’ unusual gesture during the face-off has sparked plenty of fan discussion.

Some loved it, others not so much

After the video made it on social media, their chemistry became the topic of discussion among fans. One user found Perkins’ move adorable. “Awwwww, did she move hair out your face 💕,” the user wrote. However, it may have been more along the lines of common courtesy.

Another user reminded Perkins that she was there to face off against Shields. “Danielle you’re here for face off not to catch feelings…… Gwoat @Claressashields is hot 🔥,” the user commented. Anyway, it detracted from the intense animosity between the fighters that was supposed to fuel the fight.

Someone else was in utter disbelief. “Yooo[!] Did she just Touch Claressa’s face ????” the user asked. Interestingly, Shields didn’t seem to be offended by it. 

The next user warned Perkins about the grave mistake she had made. “It’s over!!! She shouldn’t have touched the GWOAT face,” the user wrote. Given the difference in experience between the two fighters, Shields should be able to make it a quick fight.

Meanwhile, this user sensed that Perkins was torn between whether to fight Shields or hug her. “Eew, why she touch you like dat[?] She tryna be too intimate. She [doesn’t] know if she wanna scrap or give a hug,” the user wrote. It would be interesting to see how the fight turns out after this. 

That said, it appears the Claressa Shields vs. Danielle Perkins fight is off to an unusual start. Whether the unusualness of it all carries on to the boxing ring next month is yet to be seen. Regardless, what did you think of Perkins’ move?