Claressa Shields dominated Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse from start to finish, delivering a masterclass in boxing. From the first round, Shields established her jab, using it to keep Lepage-Joanisse at bay and set up powerful right hands. In the second round, Shields showcased her defensive skills, slipping Lepage-Joanisse’s punches and countering with sharp combinations.
Claressa Shields knocked out Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse in round two to win the WBC heavyweight and WBO light-heavyweight world titles. Fight was for both belts as Shields beat the heavyweight champ, but at the 175lbs light-heavyweight limit. Shields now five-weight world champion.
Shields captured the vacant WBO light heavyweight title and the WBC heavyweight championship. Shields (15-0, 3 KOs) moved up to capture a world title in a fourth and fifth weight class. Shields dropped Lepage-Joanisse (22-3-1) for the third and final time with an overhand right before the fight was stopped. There is a possibility Shields could return to Detroit for another heavyweight championship bout in December, but nothing is set in stone at the moment.
“We’ve got 10 days to decide,” Shields said. “Of course, I think I can campaign at any weight class, and it is some tough challenges at heavyweight. So, I’m going to let me and my team put our minds together to see what’s the best choice and what makes the best sense.”
