Unbeaten pound-for-pound boxing champion Claressa Shields is set to face her toughest challenge yet, as she moves up in weight to compete for titles in two additional divisions. Shields will challenge WBC heavyweight champion Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse, with the vacant WBO light heavyweight title also on the line. The bout will be broadcast live on DAZN on July 27 from Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan.
Return to Detroit
This event marks a return to the same venue where Shields (14-0, 2 knockouts) last fought on June 5, when she defended her RING and undisputed middleweight titles with a decision victory over Maricela Cornejo.
Shields' Ambitious Move
Faced with a lack of willing opponents in her current weight class, Shields has decided to further challenge herself by moving up the scale. "The Queen of Boxing is back," exclaimed the Flint, Michigan native. "I'm thrilled to return to the ring, especially after my MMA victory in February. I'm looking forward to bringing another exciting fight to Little Caesars Arena. Last time, 12,000 fans filled the arena, and this time we're going to blow the roof off the building!
"This is a significant and unique fight where I am moving up two weight classes against a very tough champion in my quest to become a world champion in my fourth weight division. It's an exciting time for women's sports, and I thank DAZN for providing a global platform for women's boxing. I plan to do what I do best: bring that GWOAT energy and continue putting women's boxing on the map."
An Impressive Career
Shields is the only American boxer to win back-to-back gold medals in international Olympic competition. Her professional career has been equally impressive, with titles in three weight divisions, including undisputed reigns at 154 and 160 pounds.
Lepage-Joanisse's Journey
Lepage-Joanisse (7-1, 2 KOs), from Saint André Avellin, Quebec, Canada, captured the WBC heavyweight title on her second attempt, defeating Abril Argentina Vidal via split decision on March 7 in Montreal. This victory extended her current four-fight winning streak, all achieved since her return to the ring in 2023 after a six-year hiatus.
Her sole defeat came in August 2017, when she was knocked out by Alejandra Jimenez with the same belt at stake. This upcoming bout will be her third fight outside of Canada and her debut in the United States, against the sport's best.
“It doesn’t matter to me whether it’s Claressa or someone else. My life is all about challenges,” said Lepage-Joanisse. “I’ve always faced them head-on, and I intend to keep it that way.”
Lepage-Joanisse weighed 173 ¼ pounds in her heavyweight title win, allowing her to also compete for the light heavyweight title.
Promoter's Efforts
The event is part of the extraordinary efforts by Dmitriy Salita, whose Salita Promotions has revitalized the Detroit boxing scene. His company regularly hosts a prospect-based series on DAZN, but this event required a major production upgrade.
“From the beginning of her career, Claressa has been on a quest to make her story a part of history,” said Salita. “This fight is one of Claressa’s hardest challenges, moving up two weight divisions to challenge the current Heavyweight World Champion.
“It’s ‘Claressa vs. Vanessa’ for the unified world title in Detroit, one of boxing’s historic homes. There is no better venue for this epic showdown than the beautiful, world-class Little Caesars Arena.”
Mark Taffet, Shields’ manager, added: “With every fight, Claressa Shields continues to raise the bar for women’s boxing. Claressa embraces the challenge of moving up two weight classes in her quest to win a world title in her fourth weight division. It is a real privilege to be by her side on her game-changing journey.”
As the bout approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be an electrifying night of boxing, showcasing Shields' ambition and drive to further cement her legacy in the sport.