Claressa Shields Aims for a Historic Fourth Division Title

Claressa Shields, having already claimed titles in the 154, 160, and 168-pound divisions, is set to challenge for a fourth division title when she faces WBC heavyweight champion Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse on July 27th in Detroit, headlining a DAZN show.

Lepage-Joanisse (7-1, 2 KOs) recently secured the WBC heavyweight title by defeating former super welterweight title challenger Abril Argentina Vidal in March. According to Salita Promotions, this belt will be on the line. However, both DAZN and Shields (14-0, 2 KOs) have stated that the bout will be contested at light heavyweight. Lepage-Joanisse's last weigh-in was at 173.25 pounds, aligning with the light heavyweight limit.

The talent pool in women's boxing above 168 pounds is notably thin. BoxRec lists only 17 light heavyweights and 22 heavyweights worldwide. Despite this, Lepage-Joanisse holds the top spot among heavyweights on BoxRec, although the division's depth is questionable. For instance, the fourth-ranked heavyweight, Tinta Smith, has a record of 1-2-1, highlighting the limited competition.

Lepage-Joanisse's most notable opponent to date was future super middleweight champion Alejandra Jimenez in 2017, where she weighed in at 231 pounds and was stopped in three rounds.

For Shields, the options within boxing appear limited. Fighting significantly smaller opponents like Alycia Baumgardner or facing Franchon Crews-Dezurn again might not offer the same allure. Shields could consider a return to MMA, potentially in a rematch with Savannah Marshall, who is making her MMA debut this Saturday.

As Claressa Shields continues to seek new challenges, her quest for a fourth division title against Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse represents a significant milestone in her storied career.