Boxing superstar Claressa Shields scored a stunning second-round TKO win over Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse on Saturday, displacing the Canadian as WBC heavyweight champion while picking up the vacant WBO light heavyweight crown at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. The official time was 1:09.
WATCH: Claressa Shields vs. Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse, live on DAZN
Shields (15-0, 3 KOs) scored a sharp counter combination off the ropes in round two for the first knockdown. No sooner was Lepage-Joanisse back on her feet than she was down again courtesy of another flurry punctuated by a big right hand. The visitor’s corner wanted the bout stopped and their wish was granted when the champ hit the floor for a third time.
“I shocked myself, I’m not gonna lie,” said Shields, who scored her first stoppage triumph since 2017. “I thought the fifth round, I’d get her out of there. I started slow in the first round because I ain’t no dummy. She’s a heavyweight and she was punching.
“But I was countering and landing my shots, so when I hurt her, my goal was to go ahead and finish her. Her corner was up [on the ring apron] and the fight was over, but I guess the referee wanted me to throw one more right hand to put her down three times.”
The first round was tame at first with Shields utilizing the jab and timing the odd power shot. However, in the final 30 seconds of that session, Shields nailed Lepage-Joanisse with a left hook and followed up with a multi-punch combination. The bell saved the Canadian from further punishment, but that attack was a serious message of intent.
It was a world-class finish and the new champ credited her first stoppage in seven years to the fact that she was able to focus on strength and conditioning work over cutting weight.
As a double undisputed world champion, the 29-year-old Shields has long reigned as the finest female fighter in the world. Given the quality that surrounds her in the mythical pound-for-pound ratings, which includes future Hall of Famers Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano and Seniesa Estrada, that is no mean feat.
However, one consistent problem Shields has had throughout her career is that she’s so much better than the competition on and around her weight class. Seeking new challenges, the American has moonlighted as an MMA fighter, but Shields still aspires to achieve more in the sport that gave her true greatness.
“They got so many champions up at heavyweight; a lot of girl are getting belts now,” stated Shields, who made the 175-pound limit for this fight. "I’m the cash cow, so all the girls at 168 and above will want a fight with me anyway. I’ll talk to my team and see if we go back down to 160 and defend undisputed, or do I move up to heavyweight and defend these belts.”
Lepage-Joanisse drops to 7-2 (2 KOs).
Claressa Shields vs. Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse fight card
- Claressa Shields def. Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse (c) via TKO 2 (1:09) for the WBC heavyweight title and the WBO light heavyweight title
- Michel Rivera def. Hugo Alberto Roldan via SD 10 (98-90, 98-91, 94-95); Super Lightweights
- Julian Smith def. Shohjahon Ergashev via SD 10 (95-94, 95-94, 94-95); Super Lightweights
- Samantha Worthington def. Edina Kiss via TKO 3 (3:00); Super Lightweights
- Cameran Pankey def. Shaeleik Paisley via UD 6 (60-54, 60-54, 60-54); Featherweight