Next weekend in Cardiff offers a rare opportunity to see one of the greatest female fighters ever to grace a British ring.
I first saw Claressa Shields at the London Olympics when she won middleweight gold. I could not believe she was just 17.
Along with Katie Taylor, who fights in Madison Square Garden in April, and Nicola Adams, Shields was one of the standout performers on the debut of women’s boxing at the Games.
I loved her aggression. She was just relentless. She walked everyone down. That is what you love to see, an intelligent, attacking fighter who puts bums on seats.
She stayed amateur for another four years to retain her Olympic crown in Rio. Unfortunately the pool of fighters in the pro ranks has thus far proved insufficient to push her.
Shields is unbeaten in 11 but is still looking for that signature fight. She has fought only three times since 2018. That’s why she switched to MMA, though that has not worked out well with a win and a split-decision loss.
MMA favours wrestlers who can punch and kickboxers who can grapple not pure boxers, who are doomed once they go to ground.
The whole point about the Wales trip is to set up a showdown with Savannah Marshall. Marshall is cool, relaxed and punches hard. It is a great match that should offer Shields the test she is looking for.
A decade into the Olympic programme the number of women entering the sport is growing fast, and with Lauren Price, who took middleweight gold in Toyko, turning over, Shields has some fresh blood to aim at down the line.
Look at all the best fighters in history. They all had great opponents to stretch them and ultimately define them.
Marvin Hagler v Thomas Hearns, Roberto Duran v Sugar Ray Leonard, Muhammad Ali v Joe Frazier, fights that made the reputations of them all, win or lose.
I have huge admiration for Marshall, who was unlucky to miss out on a medal in Rio, but she will have a major job on her hands to hold off Shields over ten rounds.
I’m going to Wales to watch Caroline Dubois’s debut. When I travel to watch one of the fighters from our gym I usually get in and out, but I will be hanging around to watch Shields.
Her opponent in Cardiff is Ema Kozin, who turned pro at the same time, has had twice as many fights and is unbeaten, albeit against inferior opponents.
Again this is about exposing Shields to a British and European audience on a terrific card topped by Chris Eubank Jnr and Liam Williams.
It will be fascinating to see how she goes, and inspirational for young girls dreaming of the big time.
- Follow Barry on Twitter at @ClonesCyclone @McGuigans_Gym
