Claressa Shields goes to another city and puts on another show. In front of 16,000 fans at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, Shields (19-0, 4 KOs) stopped Kaye Scott (5-2-1) in the sixth round and captured Scott’s WBC and WBA middleweight titles.
Shields, who is the undisputed heavyweight champion, became just the second heavyweight champion in more than 120 years to win a title in a lower weight class, joining Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr.
The event drew an impressive list of celebrities, including Floyd Mayweather, Terence Crawford and Shakur Stevenson, who sat alongside entertainment stars Usher, Kevin Gates and Brandy.
“What a night,” Shields said after the win. “I still can’t believe all of the fans who showed up to make this a sold-out show here at State Farm Arena. I thank every single one of you.”
While Shields was thrilled to score the stoppage, she was especially excited to do it with R&B star Usher in attendance.
“I can’t believe I had a knockout in front of Usher!” she said.
Shields’ promoter, Dmitriy Salita, believes fans should appreciate what they’re witnessing.
“It was yet another amazing and historic night for Claressa Shields, becoming the first woman to headline at State Farm Arena and drawing more than 16,000 for her debut in Atlanta,” Salita said. Claressa’s resume is unmatched, and she is once again the top middleweight in the world, along with being boxing’s GWOAT. Tonight was yet another reminder that we are witnessing something truly special. I hope the fans saved their tickets tonight.”
“The GWOAT” did what she was supposed to do against Scott.
The attendance and celebrity turnout reinforce Shields’ growing appeal. Few fighters, male or female, can attract that kind of crowd against an overmatched opponent. She entered the bout as a heavy favorite, yet still drew more than 16,000 fans.
Naturally, fans would like to see Shields face stronger opposition. However, there aren’t many top-level fighters in the bigger weights, which isn’t her fault.
At this point, we should all enjoy the greatness of Shields.
Photos; Stephanie Trapp/Salita Promotions
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