In the feature bout at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, Claressa Shields 9-0 (2 KOs) became the undisputed women’s world middleweight champion, with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Christina Hammer 24-0 (11 KOs) The 24 year old, double Olympic champion, boxed a calculated opening round before completely whitewashing the German visitor with a ruthless yet organised performance.. The bout, one of the first Women’s world title fights, to hold main event status on a mainstream televised promotion, has to be arguably one of the most significant single events in women’s boxing history. Shields, not noted as a huge puncher had the taller Hammer in dreadful trouble in the final rounds, with a high volume of accurate punching.. Hammer found the calculated Shields hard to hit throughout, displaying impressive head movement and great footwork.. The judges scored the bout 98-92 and 98-91 twice, placing Claressa amongst a very limited list of fighters (Terrence Crawford, Bernard Hopkins, Oleksandr Usyk, Jermain Taylor and Cecilia Braekhus) to have unified all four major world Championships in one weight category..
Talking with Showtime’s Steve Farhood following the bout, the often outspoken and highly charged Shields boldly proclaimed “I am the greatest woman of all time.... I did it. She didn’t win a single round... I almost knocked her out..... I swear I feel like I’m dreaming right now. Thanks to Christina Hammer and her team.... They said she had a hard jab and they weren’t lying. Her jab is off the chain.”
Shields, never one to duck a challenge, expressed her willingness to fight Cecilia Braekhus next, a fight that looks unlikely to materialise going by the Norwegians past record of accepting legitimate challenges.. Claressa’s proclamation of greatness may appear slightly premature, but her achievements to date must place the lady on course for high honours..
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