After becoming the undisputed middleweight champion last year against Savannah Marshall, Claressa Shields now defended her undisputed middleweight status for the first time against Maricela Carnejo. Shields, who was eight years younger than Carnejo, defeated the latter via UD. Despite being the shorter opponent, there were moments when Shields occupied the center of the ring and attempted overhand hooks and jabs to the body.
On the other end, Carnejo initially hesitated, and displaying a lack of footwork, allowed Shields to be aggressive. Although Shields gradually became more confident, she often swung and missed with her big punches. While Shields sometimes fought with her guard down and limbs hanging, Carnejo barely utilized her 10cm reach advantage. As a result, Shields comparatively became the more active fighter and secured herself the UD victory. Following her first undisputed title defense, several known figures from the boxing world congratulated Shields.
The boxing world helps Claressa Shields celebrate her first undisputed title defense
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Shields entered the bout unbeaten and with expectations from the people. Although one may feel Shields could have demonstrated better accuracy and a better approach to the fight, the most important update of the hour is she won. With this victory over Maricela Cornejo, Shields now has a record of 0 losses and 14 wins. After the bout, the current undisputed featherweight champion Amanda Serrano congratulated the duo. “Congratulations to the GWOAT @Claressashields on a solid performance. Strong girl the Diva @maricelaladiva🙏❤️,” she wrote.
Congratulations to the GWOAT @Claressashields on a solid performance. Strong girl the Diva @maricelaladiva 🙏❤️
— Amanda Serrano (@Serranosisters) June 4, 2023
Meanwhile, Terence Crawford, who is gearing up to fight Errol Spence Jr. on the 29th of August, wrote, “Clean sweep. Congratulations @Claressashields.”
Clean sweep. Congratulations @Claressashields
— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) June 4, 2023
On the other hand, Ariel Helwani wrote, “Claressa Shields pulls off the clean sweep just as the UFC main is about to start. What a night.”
Claressa Shields pulls off the clean sweep just as the UFC main is about to start. What a night.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 4, 2023
Meanwhile, Shakur Stevenson wrote, “Claressa so cold 💪🏾.”
Claressa so cold 💪🏾
— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) June 4, 2023
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Finally, ESPN Ringside said, “Pure dominance from the GWOAT @Claressashields👏.”
Pure dominance from the GWOAT @Claressashields 👏 pic.twitter.com/thCoqQYqM9
— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) June 4, 2023
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After the victory, Shields declared she is only interested in the best. Likewise, she admitted that she would like to square off against the winner of Franchon Crews Dezurn vs. Savannah Marshall. What did you think about Claressa Shields’s performance against Maricela Cornejo? Who is next for Shields in your opinion? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
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