Claressa Shields is a well-paid lead in a major boxing show at a major international television venue. And it seems completely normal.
Yes, women’s boxing is advancing.
“Boxing is changing,” said Shields, who will defend her 160-pound belt against Maricela Cornejo on Saturday in Detroit (DAZN). “To have this game here in front of thousands of fans in Detroit, with GWOAT in the main event, we don’t have that many opportunities.
“I am very happy and excited about this match. I look forward to being on a show and proving that I’m the greatest again.”
The match will take place at Little Caesars Arena, the 20,000-seat home ground of the Detroit Pistons and Detroit Red Wings. It has never hosted a professional boxing match, which is said to make Saturday’s event historic.
Shields, from Flint, Michigan, about an hour north, considers it a return trip home. She’s pleased to bring the great boxing back to the sport’s once-hot spot.
“The people of Detroit are getting ready to celebrate,” she said. “The city is celebrating because this is an important moment for Detroit. … When I got the call about fighting at Little Caesars Arena, I felt like there was a slim chance of us fighting here.
“They offered a lot of money to play again in the UK, but I want to bring my title here.”
Shields (13-0, 2 KOs) was originally scheduled to take on Hanna Gabriels but Gabriels was withdrawn after testing positive for a banned substance.
Cornejo (16-5, 6 KOs) agreed to participate about a week and a half ago. The 36-year-old, who lives and trains in Los Angeles, lost decisively in three title challenges, once to 160-pound Kali Reis and twice to 168-pound champion Franchon Crews Dezurn.
However, Shields, who has expressed interest in going up against Cornejo in the past, said the WBO No.
“I am facing a younger, taller and more knowledgeable opponent at Maricela Cornejo than I am at Hanna Gabriels,” Shields said. “I want to thank Maricela for accepting this challenge and coming here. I know that she is always in shape. It will be a real failure in Motown. …
“I know she said she wanted to go out there and dance, but you would dance alone because I came to fight.”
Cornejo understands the importance of his chances.
“Claressa has done a lot for the sport of boxing and everyone in the sport is trying to do our part,” said the challenger, who was training for another bout when he received the call. , said.
“Our responsibility is just to make a difference in the sport, and that’s what we’re trying to do. She needs a good dance partner to do it. When they called, I said I was ready to dance.
“Being weak doesn’t affect me at all. I’ll go put some money for myself. I know I will be the loser. She’s got the title, so I know what I have to do.”
It seems the only guaranteed winners are women’s boxing and Detroit.
