In a move that has stunned the boxing world, Claressa Shields, the undisputed queen of women’s boxing, has set her sights on an unprecedented challenge—taking on Oleksandr Usyk in a historic crossover fight. With her dominance in multiple weight classes, Shields has never shied away from making history, but this time, she’s taking it to an entirely new level. If she manages to pull off the impossible against Usyk, the next target in her sights is none other than the reigning heavyweight king, Tyson Fury.
Shields’ journey to this moment has been nothing short of legendary. As a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a multi-division world champion, she has cleared out every opponent in her path. But in her relentless quest for greatness, she refuses to let traditional weight divisions define her legacy.
“People told me I couldn’t do it when I moved up in weight before,” Shields declared at a packed press conference. “They doubted me when I took over MMA. Now they say I can’t step into the ring with Usyk? Watch me.”
Usyk, the current unified heavyweight champion, known for his masterful footwork and high boxing IQ, responded with bemusement at first but later acknowledged Shields’ incredible skill. “She is one of the greatest fighters of her generation, but heavyweight is a different world,” he said. “If she wants this challenge, she must be ready for real power.”
The fight, already being billed as one of the most ambitious matchups in history, has split the boxing world. Some hail Shields as a fearless pioneer pushing the limits of what’s possible, while others argue that the size and strength difference will be too much to overcome.
But Shields isn’t just looking to fight Usyk—her ambitions go beyond him. If she emerges victorious, she wants Tyson Fury next. The ‘Gypsy King’ laughed when asked about the challenge, calling it “a fun idea but absolutely ridiculous.” Yet, he didn’t entirely dismiss it. “If she somehow beats Usyk, then maybe, just maybe, we talk,” Fury said with a smirk.
Whether or not these fights actually happen, one thing is certain: Claressa Shields has once again forced the world to reconsider what’s possible in combat sports. Will she pull off the greatest shock in boxing history, or is she finally biting off more than she can chew? The world is watching, and Shields wouldn’t have it any other way.
