Claressa Shields v Jessica McCaskill a Possibility for 2023?
Claressa “The GWOAT” Shields (13-0, 2 KOs) is still basking in the glow of her unanimous decision win over Savannah Marshall (12-1, 10 KOs) to become a two-time undisputed middleweight champion on October 15. Fighting in front of a pro-Marshall crowd in London, England, Shields overcame her share of rough moments and a late Marshall rally. The bout was arguably the biggest fight of the year for women’s boxing.
THE FUTURE OF THE GWOAT
At the top of her game, the question now becomes: what is next for Shields? During an appearance on The DAZN Boxing Show, the 27-year-old talked about the opponents she could face in the short and long term.
“If Jessica McNo-Skill (Jessica McCaskill) wanna get her ass beat at 147, I can go to 147 too. But I’m not doing it at no 145, and then they got a rehydration clause and all that crap.
No, I make the weight, I rehydrate. I don’t care if I rehydrate all the way up to 180. That’s none of y’all business. Either you going to take the fight or you’re not. My job is to make the 147-pound weight limit, which I know I can, and that’s it.”
NOT THE BEST OF FRIENDS
McCaskill (12-2, 5 KOs) is the reigning undisputed welterweight champion. On November 5, she’s moving down in weight to face Chantelle Cameron (16-0, 8 KOs) for the undisputed title at 140. Like Shields, the welterweight champ is not afraid to fight the biggest and the best in and around her weight class.
McCaskill and Shields have traded plenty of verbal insults at each other over the years. There have been discussions of a showdown between the two, but serious negotiations have yet to occur. However, it would be an interesting matchup that has money-earning potential. It would be fascinating to see a contest featuring two undisputed champions battling it out.
Shields’s immediate endeavor will be a return to MMA. But as far as boxing, many fans would love to see her fight a rematch with Marshall. Others would be intrigued by a fight with McCaskill at 147. Whatever direction she takes, the world is her oyster. The GWOAT has her pick of the litter of who she wants to fight. It’s a wait-and-see what her next move will be on the boxing chessboard.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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