Claressa Shields is set to face WBC Heavyweight Champion Vanessa LePage-Joanisse

Untitled middleweight world champion Claressa “GWOAT” Shields has her sights set on collecting another gold as she challenges WBC heavyweight world champion Vanessa LePage-Joanisse on Saturday night, July 27, at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, live on DAZN.

Claressa Shields from Flint, Michigan is a two-time undisputed world champion who has won world titles in three different weight classes. Shields is confident that by the end of his fight on Saturday night, he will be a four-division world champion.

The last time Shields competed inside the squared circle was back in June 2023 when she defended her undisputed middleweight title against Maricela Cornejo. Shields was aggressive as he focused on making a statement.

The undefeated middleweight champion started the fight by planting his feet and throwing left hooks. Shields was extremely accurate with his power shots as he went for the win, but he had to settle for a unanimous decision victory.

Now, 29-year-old Claressa Shields (14-0, 2 KOs) is ready to move up another weight class and add another belt to her collection. Standing in his way is a tough fighter determined to hold on to his title.

Canadian boxer Vanessa LePage-Joanisse made her boxing debut in March 2016 when she defeated Annie Mazerolle by split decision. Two months later, LePage-Joanisse gave Mazerolle a rematch and this time, she won by unanimous decision.

In her third professional fight, Vanessa LePage-Joanisse stopped Maria Jose Velis in the third round. On the night of August 12, 2017, Alejandra Jimenez stopped LePage-Joanisse in the third round.

After losing her first professional job, Vanessa LePage-Joanisse decided to take a six-year hiatus. After returning to boxing, he went on to win three fights in a row.

Back in March 2024, LePage-Joanisse defeated Abril Argentina Vidal by split decision to win the vacant WBC world heavyweight title. Now Vanessa LePage-Joanisse (7-1, 2 KOs) is about to defend her first MVP title.

Reigning WBC champion LePage-Joanisse is good at changing levels with the jab, and moving inside to throw her power shots. With that being said, you may have Claressa Shields sewn up because Shields is on a different level in terms of speed, punch placement, and ring IQ.

The 29-year-old LePage-Joanisse is the defending champion who will go into this fight as the underdog. He's not saying much, but he's confident about bringing his belt back to Canada.

“I'm not a trash talker. I respect Claressa Shields, and I know she's accomplished, but a fight is a fight. I'll be ready Saturday night, and I'm coming home with a belt in my suitcase. It will be a battle, but I will win.”

Claressa Shields believes that after the end of the war LePage-Joanisse will leave Detroit and go home to Canada. However, Shields doubts that his opponent will return home with the belt.

“He says he doesn't stop talking. I reject the speech and support it. I will be the heavyweight champion on Saturday, and no one will stop me. His size means nothing to me. I'm from 160 pounds, but I'm going to be a bear on Saturday night… you're rubbing me the wrong way. If I take away his belt, he goes back to Canada with nothing.”