Shields becomes four-weight world champion

Claressa Shields became a four-weight world champion in sensational fashion by stopping Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse in two rounds on Saturday in Detroit.

Shields, 29, claimed the WBC heavyweight and WBO light-heavyweight titles, unifying the 12st 7lb (175lb) division in the process.

The undefeated American floored Lepage-Joanisse three times in quick succession, beginning with a counter right-hand.

The referee stopped the contest after the third knockdown as Shields secured her first stoppage since 2017.

“The newfound power does feel good,” Shields said.

“I shocked myself, I’m not going to lie.”

The two-time Olympic gold medallist is now unbeaten in 15 pro fights and has held world titles at super-middleweight, middleweight and light-middleweight since turning pro in 2016.

The WBC title Shields won is classified as heavyweight by the sanctioning body, but it is contested at the light-heavyweight limit of 12st 7lb, hence why the fight was advertised as both at heavyweight and light-heavyweight.

Shields could defend her new title in her next bout or move back down in weight, with the likes of Liverpool fighter Natasha Jonas a possible opponent for her.

“I’ve had some great performances, but is it my best knockout? Absolutely,” Shields said.

“But is it my best performance? I have fought so many great fighters and I have looked very, very good.”

Shields said that she had “10 days to decide” if she would continue at heavyweight, adding that while she thinks she can “campaign at any weight class”, she would discuss her next move with her team.