Claressa Shields aims to become a four-weight world champion as she returns to her home state to face Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse this weekend.
Shields was last in action in June 2023, when she claimed a unanimous decision victory over Maricela Cornejo in Detroit to retain the undisputed women's middleweight title.
Now she's heading back to Little Caesars Arena and stepping up two divisions to challenge Lepage-Joanisse for the WBC women's heavyweight title.
Lepage-Joanisse won the belt in March with a victory over Abril Argentina Vidal, and the Canadian will fight on U.S. soil for the first time as she defends the title against the "GWOAT."
Here's everything you need to know ahead of Claressa Shields vs. Vanessa Joanisse.
When is Claressa Shields vs. Vanessa Joanisse?
- Date: Saturday, July 27.
- Time: At 9 p.m. ET / 2 a.m. UK (Sunday)
- Main event ringwalks (approx): 12 a.m. ET (Sunday) / 5 a.m. UK (Sunday)
The ringwalks for Shields vs. Lepage-Joanisse are scheduled for 12 a.m. ET / 5 a.m. UK with the event getting underway at 9 p.m. ET / 2 a.m. UK. These timings are subject to change due to the length of the undercard fights.
What has been said?
Shields:
“The Queen of Boxing is back! I’m so excited to return to the ring, especially after my MMA victory in February.” said Shields. “I’m excited to bring another entertaining fight to Little Caesars Arena.
Lepage-Joaniss:
“It doesn’t matter to me whether it’s Claressa or someone else. My life is all about challenges,” said Lepage-Joanisse. “I’ve always faced them head-on, and I intend to keep it that way.”
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