Claressa Shields vs Ivana Habazin back on schedule!
Just as the unified middleweight champion Claressa “T-Rex” Shields (9-0, 2 KO’S) forecasted, her grudge match with Ivana Habazin (20-3, 7 KO’s) has been rescheduled for January 10. This will mark the third time that the two female fighters have been assigned a new fight date.
Provided that the fighters actually make it to the ring, they will go head-to-head at the Ocean Resort Casino located in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
SLIPPERY FIGHT DATES
Initially, was slated for August 17 but the fight was called off due to injury. In that instance, T-Rex damaged her knee while doing roadwork during training camp. Thankfully the injury was not that serious, so there was little doubt that the fight would be rescheduled. As expected, the prizefight was reset for October 5.
This time there seemed to be nothing to stand in the way of the event. Both fighters and their teams successfully made it through their training camps and arrived safely at the official weigh-ins the day before the main event. Regrettably, things took a turn for the unpredictable worst once at the weigh-in facility.
Somehow, Habazin’s chief second James Bashir Ali got involved in a bickering session with Shields sister. After the vulgar tirade by each, Ali went to sit down. Once seated by himself Ali was punched in the face from his blindside. For a tense few minutes, the elder trainer lay bloodied and unconscious. Thankfully medical staff was able to swiftly rush him to the hospital.
Even after being released the medical facilities, Ali was rushed back to the hospital several days after the initial attack. Ali was carted back the hospital to treat a newly discovered bleed on the brain. Currently, Coach Ali has been issued a clean bill of health. Although, due to the initial attack, the bout was called off.
THIRD TIMES A CHARM?
Now that Shields’ knee is no longer an issue and Coach Ali is out of the woods, physically speaking, T-Rex and Habazin will try to get it on once again. Despite being the unified women’s champion, the match with Habazin will be contested at 154lbs. This is because Shields is openly trying to push a fight with undisputed welterweight champion Cecilia “First Lady” Braekhus (35-0, 9 KO’s).
The prizefight was meant to be Shields’ maiden scrap at super welterweight. T-Rex was testing the waters at 154 in an effort to meet Braekhus in the middle ground division. According to Shields, making the weight was not as difficult as she thought beforehand and she is eager to see how she performs.
Provided that the Flint, Michigan native wins without any injuries or any other unforeseen calamity, it’s expected that she will continue beating the drums for a showdown with the First Lady. Although, taking into account how elusive the Shields v Habazin fight has been thus far, we certainly can’t assume anything will happen!
3kingsboxing will continue to cover the odd and intriguing story line behind this bad blood prizefight.
By: Bakari Simpson
