Sha’Carri Richardson Roped in as World Champion Claressa Shields Reveals the Sport She’d Watch for the ‘Rest of Her Life’ Other Than Boxing

Claressa Shields hasn’t fought since the June 3 title defense against Maricela Cornejo. However, the way things are moving, it appears that she should be making a return by early 2024. But the bigger question is whether the reverse gear will take her back to the squared circle or an octagon. Two years ago, the undisputed champion participated in two mixed martial arts fights under the Professional Fighters League. This year, she has once again signed a multi-year deal with the promotion.

The return to MMA speaks volumes about Claressa Shields’ multifaceted personality. It’s one thing to try and reach the pinnacle in one discipline, but it’s quite different to try to do so in another one. But who knows? Given a chance, Shields might come flying in other sporting activities as well. As of now, she is, thankfully, just watching. In fact, she revealed the competitive sport that she loves binge-watching and the sports personality that has impressed her the most.

Boxing great’s respect for a track champion

Claressa Shields was speaking with Kieran Hickey-Semple. The freelance content creator asked the world champion, “If you could watch any sport for the rest of your life other than boxing, what would it be?” And without skipping a beat, Shields replied, “Track.” Though Hickey-Semple seemed surprised, the next question was anyone’s guess. He asked her for her favorite track and field athlete. Shields responded, “Sha’ Carri Richardson.” There were other fun questions as well.

For instance, the host asked the two-time Olympic gold medalist for her pick of choice among the track and field events. She shared that it would have to be the 400-meter dash. When the content creator asked why, she revealed that she liked the speed aspect of the event. The host then pressed her further, asking which of the world’s largest wild animals she believed she would have triumphed against. Claressa Shields replied, “I don’t want to fight any animal; they [have] teeth.”

Later, he checked with her about the fights in the PFL. The unbeaten champion replied that it would have to be February.

An octagon rematch after a ring battle? Claressa Shields vs. Savannah Marshall

Last year, Shields defeated Savannah Marshall in October to become the undisputed middleweight champion. The former was at the post-fight press conference of her British archrival’s match with Franchón Crews-Dezurn. Marshall won the bout by a majority decision, and the win made her the super middleweight division’s new undisputed champion. Talks of a rematch between Marshall and Shields have been going on for some time. Interestingly, the Briton has also signed up for the PFL’s multi-year deal. Consequently, there are widespread talks about whether a Marshall-Shields rematch could take place inside an octagon.

Read More: Fans Go On A Guessing Spree As Claressa Shields Reveals She’s Fallen Head Over Heels For Someone

Do you think Claressa Shields’ foray into the MMA world would be as successful as in boxing? Please share your views with us in the comments below.

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