Belated Weekend Thoughts: Benavidez, Shields Shine In Separate Main Events

The first weekend of February 2025 featured what proved to be a grudge match between two unbeaten Light-Heavyweight contenders as both were looking to take the next and supposed final step towards challenging for a world championship, and was followed by a new chapter of Boxing history being written as a future Hall of Famer added another accolade to her already stellar legacy.

First, it was the Light-Heavyweight battle between undefeated former WBC Super-Middleweight world champion David Benavidez and unbeaten top Light-Heavyweight contender David Morrell, which took place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. The main event of the latest Prime Video pay-per-view card promoted by the Premier Boxing Champions group of promoters did not disappoint as what appeared to be a dislike between the two fighters in the lead up to the encounter, which more often than not and for better or worse, is used as a way to promote fights, manifested into a grueling back and forth battle between two fighters who are not only labeled as “Knockout Artists," but arguably two of the most avoided fighters in and around the Light-Heavyweight division after both spent the bulk of their careers in the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division.

Despite the high pace in which this fight was fought, there was one consistent pattern. Benavidez coming forward throwing a consistently high volume of punches where Morrell’s only tactic was to try and catch Benavidez as he was throwing, between his punches. While David Morrell did have success periodically in catching Benavidez, at times solidly, the pattern of the fight never changed. There was, however, one exception when Benavidez was caught off balance by a right hand to the head that sent him down in the eleventh round. Though the knockdown was clear due to Benavidez’ gloves touching the canvas, he did not appear to be hurt and was able to hang on for a wide and convincing twelve round unanimous decision. Before discussing where both David Benavidez and David Morrell will go moving forward coming out of this fight, which will come at the conclusion of this column, another significant fight took place during the first weekend of February that to sum in one word was “Historic." 

This observer is referring to the encounter that took place on February 2nd at the Dort Financial Center in Flint, MI, where undefeated four-division world champion Claressa Shields defended her unified WBC/WBF World Heavyweight championship against undefeated top contender Danielle Perkins. Beyond it being a title defense for Shields, the vacant crowns of the IBF, WBA, and WBO were also at stake making this the first fight in Boxing history to determine an Undisputed Women's Heavyweight champion of the world.

Despite being at a significant height disadvantage, Shields added another accolade to her Hall of Fame resume by dominating a determined opponent in Perkins over ten rounds to earn a unanimous decision victory. As has been the case throughout her career, Shields did this with a combination of hand speed, timing, and combination punching, which was highlighted by scoring a knockdown of Perkins in the final round.

While some might be critical of the various sanctioning organizations choosing to fill their vacancies in this fight and thus allowing the winner, in this case Shields, to become an undisputed world champion, it is important to remember that, despite the significant growth of Women's Boxing over the last decade, there are still some weight divisions are still growing as well and as the sport for female fighters continues to grow, the depth of those weight classes that may not have much competition currently will continue to grow as well. Determining a recognized champion of a division is a necessary step in that growth. For Shields, becoming the first Woman's Undisputed Heavyweight champion of the world frankly is the pinnacle of what can be accomplished in a career. The question now is whether she will stay at Heavyweight and continue to defend her crown, her third undisputed title in her career, whether she will move back down in weight, which is common in Women's Boxing to see fighters move up and down in weight depending on what fights and opportunities might be available, or if she will shift her primary focus to the sport of Mixed Martial Arts, where she has a record of 3-1. Although I do not think Shields should consider retirement from combat sports at this point, one has to wonder what she has left to accomplish after her latest accolade.

Getting back to David Benavidez and David Morrell, for the moment, Benavidez is now the mandatory challenger for the winner of the upcoming World Light-Heavyweight championship rematch between Undisputed champion Artur Beterbiev and former champion Dmitry Bivol. As we have seen pretty much from the beginning of the sport, however, earning a mandatory position to challenge for a world championship is rarely set in stone. This is especially true when world titles are unified and in this case, where an undisputed championship is involved. We will have to simply wait to see what happens when Beterbiev and Bivol meet again on February 22nd in Saudi Arabia. For David Morrell, he is still a top contender in the Light-Heavyweight division and depending on what happens after the Beterbiev-Bivol rematch could be right back in line as a potential challenger. With the ongoing possibility that current unified Super-Middleweight world champion Saul “Canelo" Alvarez might choose to move back up to Light-Heavyweight and use his clout as one of the sport’s top draws to possibly challenge Beterbiev or seek a rematch with Bivol, who defeated him in 2022. The Light-Heavyweight division will remain a focal point of the sport as 2025 moves along.

“And That's The Boxing Truth." 

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Shields To Defend Unified World Heavyweight Crown In Homecoming

When the history of Boxing is written, one fighter who will be able to take credit for elevating the sport for female fighters to levels previously unthought of by many is undefeated five-division world champion Claressa Shields. If there is one word to describe Shields’ career up to this point in Boxing it would be “Dominant." First emerging on the mainstream scene as the only fighter in United States Boxing history female or male to have won two Olympic Gold medals in two consecutive Olympic Games in 2012 and 2016. Since turning pro late in 2016, she has continued to defeat all challengers compiling a record of 15-0, with 3 Knockouts and becoming an undisputed world champion as a Middleweight and Super-Middleweight, just part of an already Hall of 

Fame career that has thus far seen her win world titles in five weight divisions from Jr. Middleweight to Heavyweight.

It was in her last fight in July of last year where Shields became the unified World Heavyweight champion in scoring a second round knockout of WBC world champion Vanessa Joanisse in a fight where both the WBC and WBF World Heavyweight titles were on the line as well as the vacant WBO Light-Heavyweight world championship, giving Shields the added distinction of being only the second fighter behind the legendary Sugar Ray Leonard to have won world titles in multiple weight divisions in a single fight. An accomplishment that Leonard achieved in November 1988 when he scored a thrilling ninth round knockout of WBC Light-Heavyweight world champion Donny Lalonde, where the then newly created WBC Super-Middleweight championship in what was then a new division in the sport, was also on the line in what turned out to be regarded as one of the greatest fights of the 1980’s. While Shields’ accomplishment may not get the attention it should from some, primarily because, despite Women's Boxing having been active since the 1960’s, the sport is still very much growing and due largely to Shields’ stature throughout the entire sport, has finally been able to gain long overdue exposure and acceptance, which has in turn allowed for delayed growth with the introduction of new weight classes for female fighters.

While Shields has also ventured into the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) where she has compiled a record of 2-1, with 1 Knockout, her legacy in Boxing has continued as the subject of the recently released film The Fire Inside, which tells her life story. Shields’ story, however, will continue as she returns to her hometown of Flint, MI on Sunday, February 2nd to defend her unified World Heavyweight championship against undefeated contender Danielle Perkins at the Dort Financial Center. A fight that can be seen worldwide on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN.

While this has the appearance of and frankly is a homecoming for the champion, there is an element of the unknown here that Shields will have to contend with in not only facing a taller and physically bigger opponent in the 6’0 Perkins, but also the question of whether Shields, who began her career in the 154lb. Jr. Middleweight division, will be able to take the punch of a Heavyweight. Although Shields was not tested in that regard when she won the unified Heavyweight crown in her last fight and frankly overwhelmed Vanessa Joanisse, at some point whether female or male, fighters who are not natural Heavyweights eventually hit a ceiling in terms of both how high or low they can go in weight as well as whether they can do so and continue to compete effectively. Though there is a significant difference between Women's and Men's Boxing in that female fighters tend to move up or down in weight more frequently due both to the sport still growing as well as for opportunities at different weight classes to fight for world titles as well as for financial incentives, much like their male counterparts, there comes a point where female fighters hit that ceiling. 

The champion will have an edge in experience over Danielle Perkins, who will enter this fight, her first challenge for a world championship, unbeaten with a record of 5-0, with 1 Knockout. Perkins turned pro during the global COVID-19 epidemic in the summer of 2020, but will be fighting for only the third time since a three year layoff began in 2021. A question the challenger will have to answer here, despite having the physical advantage over the 5’8 champion, is whether both a limited resume against relatively unknown opposition as well as only competing two times since her hiatus will be enough preparation to succeed against a fighter of Shields’ caliber. It will also be interesting to see how Perkins will deal with the combination punching of the champion, which often comes in volume and has proven challenging for previous opponents to combat even though Shields is not known for her punching power. The bottom line is Claressa Shields knows how to win rounds and with the majority of women's bouts still fought under rounds that are two minutes in length, Perkins will have to find a way to disrupt Shields and keep her from finding a rhythm if she wants to be successful in this fight.

Although there is not much more to say to build this fight up for the reader, it is the next chapter in the story of a great fighter, who through her achievements has been able to elevate her sport to new levels globally where fights featuring female combatants are not only featured regularly on Boxing cards here in the United States and around the world, but are now regularly featured in the main events on cards also featuring men's bouts. While the United States was late to the party in that regard as women's bouts had regularly main evented cards internationally for several years prior to Shields’ success in the Olympics as well as her professional achievements, the progress for women in the sport should not be ignored and this fight is another example of that progression for Women's Boxing.

“And That's The Boxing Truth." 

(* UPDATE: As this column was being prepared for publishing, it was learned that the vacant IBF, WBO, and WBA Women's World Heavyweight championships will also be on the line in addition to the WBC and WBF world titles currently held by Shields making the winner of this fight the first Undisputed Women's World Heavyweight champion in Boxing history.*)

Shields vs. Perkins takes place on Sunday, February 2nd at the Dort Financial Center in Flint, MI. The fight can be seen worldwide on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 7:30PM ET/4:30PM PT (U.S. Times Only). For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

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SuperWomen: A Win For Boxing

 

The bout between undefeated world champions Claressa Shields and Marie-Eve Dicaire to determine the Undisputed Women’s Jr. Middleweight world championship was more than merely a unification bout to determine an undisputed champion between two great fighters. This fight was a symbol of progress for the women of Boxing as a whole. After all, there are some who will say that the first time they were exposed to Women’s Boxing on television was during the early-mid 1990’s when Christy Martin made a name for herself competing on undercards of major Boxing events, many of which were broadcast on pay-per-view. Although Martin’s legacy as a trailblazer for women in the sport is more than secure after compiling a Hall of Fame career, the sport as a whole continued to struggle for consistent exposure on television particularly here in the United States. 

Credit: FITE 

 

When the decision was made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to sanction Women’s Boxing for the first time in the 2012 Summer Olympics, it opened a new opportunity for Women in the sport. As many know, Claressa Shields not only seized the opportunity, but arguably took the spotlight in both the 2012 and 2016 games by becoming the only Olympic boxer in the history of the United States to win consecutive gold medals. She then was able to benefit from the increased exposure upon turning professional in 2016. Along with the exposure Shields was able to receive came increased exposure for the entire sport of Women’s Boxing.

 

Over her professional career, Shields has built a resume of her own in becoming a three-division world champion in only ten pro bouts and completely unifying the 160lb. Middleweight division in the process. When Shields faced Marie-Eve Dicaire, she was chasing further Boxing history in attempting to become the first fighter male or female in the history of the sport to fully unify two weight classes. While this in itself was historic, it would come on a night where Women’s Boxing took center stage, as the main event of a pay-per-view card of all women’s bouts. 

 

What took place when Shields and Dicaire squared off in the ring at the Dort Financial Center in Shields’ hometown in Flint, MI on March 5^th was essentially what one would expect to see from a great fighter in a high stakes situation. For ten rounds, Shields put on a full demonstration of her Boxing skills. Whether it was her defense, combination punching, or just her overall skillset, this fight as much as any of her previous bouts as a professional or an amateur showed not only why many consider Shields the top Women’s fighter in the world, but also that her skills continue to evolve.

 

In previewing this fight, I stated that stylistically things seemed to favor Shields because of her tendency to be aggressive and apply pressure on her opponents. While this indeed was a key component of her strategy in this fight, what was impressive was how she essentially switched her approach throughout. Switched her approach not because her initial approach of aggression and pressure was unsuccessful, but as an added element that kept Dicaire from being able to find a rhythm. In simple terms, Shields did not do too much of only one aspect, but mixed every aspect together in near perfect execution. When she felt like forcing the fight on Dicaire, she did, when she wanted to primarily use defense and her counter punching to dictate the combat, she did. This strategy was effective to such a degree that Dicaire, a fighter who is most effective when she is able to use angles, lateral movement, and distance to execute her offense, was unable to settle down and let her hands go with consistency. Whether it was nerves in fighting for an undisputed championship for the first time in her career, a healthy respect for Shields’ skillset, Dicaire was not able to implement a similar approach as she has done previously in her career and this ultimately resulted in Shields winning every round on all three judges scorecards, winning a ten round unanimous decision to secure her second undisputed world championship in a second weight class after previously unifying the Middleweight division in her career.

 

Although much of the focus of this card and subsequently of this post-column centers on Claressa Shields and will conclude on the subject of where she goes after completely unifying two weight classes, the all-women’s event SuperWomen also featured three other bouts in the Bantamweight and Heavyweight divisions that also need discussion. The first of these bouts featured Bantamweight contender Marlen Esparza, who scored a six round unanimous decision over Shelly Barnett.

 

Esparza, who is a former world title challenger having suffered her lone career defeat in that challenge to undefeated WBA Flyweight champion Seneisa Estrada in November 2019, has worked her way back into world title contention as she is currently the WBC’s top contender in the Flyweight division. Esparza however, has shown she is a contender in both the 112lb. Flyweight division and the 118lb. Bantamweight division as she outworked veteran Shelly Barnett over the six round distance to win a unanimous decision. While it is not uncommon in Women’s Boxing to see fighters move between weight classes on a per fight basis depending on what opportunities may be available to them, Esparza is the current mandatory challenger for current WBC world champion Ibeth Silva and it is logical barring things like potential injuries or anything related to the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic, that Esparza will likely look to challenge Silva in the near future if a potential world championship opportunity in the Bantamweight division is not an option at the present time.

 

The second Bantamweight bout that took place on the SuperWomen event featured undefeated rising contender Jamie Mitchell facing veteran Noemi Bosques. This fight was controlled by Mitchell, who’s harder punches and ring generalship gradually wore a “Game”, but ultimately over matched Bosques before the bout was stopped in the fifth round giving Mitchell her sixth career victory in eight professional bouts.

 

In Mitchell’s eight career bouts, she has fought to two draws. One of those draws came against perhaps her best known opponent thus far Britain Hart in August 2019. Hart as many know recently scored a five round unanimous decision over MMA star Paige VanZant, in a fight fought under Bareknuckle Boxing rules in the Bareknuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). Much like more opportunities are opening up for women in traditional Boxing, the idea of the women who competed on this card potentially competing in Bareknuckle Boxing should not be dismissed as Bareknuckle Boxing has re-emerged in the last decade in various forms and is seeing continuing growth around the world. Perhaps a potential bout for Mitchell off of her victory over Bosques could be a rematch with Hart fought under either traditional or Bareknuckle rules.

 

As Women’s Boxing has increased in exposure, among the the weight classes that have been able to take advantage of the exposure has been the Heavyweight division. The final preliminary bout that took place prior to Claressa Shields’ bout with Marie-Eve Dicaire was a Heavyweight rematch between undefeated Danielle Perkins and Monika Harrison. A rematch from last August that was fought in the Cruiserweight division, Perkins successfully made her professional debut on that evening by scoring a four round unanimous decision over Harrison. Now in her third bout this time fought at Heavyweight, Perkins saw similar results in her second encounter with Harrison as she experienced in her pro debut. Perkins out worked Harrison over six rounds to earn a convincing unanimous decision victory. If there was a slight difference between this fight and their first meeting last year, it appeared in the second half of this rematch that if Perkins opted to apply more pressure on Harrison, she may have been able to get a stoppage as Harrison appeared to struggle in the latter stages of the bout.

 

It is hard to necessarily say a fighter with only three professional bouts is ready for a potential world title shot. While in most cases this is true when discussing Men’s Boxing, it’s important to keep in mind that Women’s Boxing is still very much a sport that is growing in both the traditional and Bareknuckle forms. As such, it is not hard to envision Perkins possibly getting a shot at a world championship in the Heavyweight division in the near future depending on whether an opportunity for a championship bout exists. One should also consider that Perkins rematch against Harrison was for the Women’s WBC Silver championship in the Heavyweight division. While such championships are not held in high regard throughout the entire sport, in reality, the silver championship grants the holder of it a higher position in the WBC’s rankings in a given weight class. When one also factors into the equation that the WBC’s Women’s world championship in the Heavyweight division is currently vacant, the idea of Perkins fighting for a world championship sooner than later should be viewed as a very real possibility.

 

  While the future for the fighters who were able to shine on the SuperWomen undercard is unknown as of this writing as to potential future bouts, so too are questions regarding what Claressa Shields will do next. Shields, who in recent months made her intentions to venture into the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) clear by signing with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) MMA promotion revealed after her victory over Marie-Eve Dicaire that she intends to make her MMA debut as well as box again later this year. 

 

Although this may be viewed as a difficult task to accomplish particularly in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, it’s clear that Shields wants to compete and do so often. It should also not be overlooked that for a fighter who has thus far been dominant in her sport, she is challenging herself by testing the waters in a different combat sport while maintaining her position as the focal point in the view of many for Women’s Boxing.

 

In terms of who she might fight in her next bout, a danger with a fighter being able to achieve as much as Shields has in now only eleven fights is the idea of having accomplished everything possible. It is certainly true that after fully unifying two weight divisions and becoming a three-division world champion overall that Shields’ legacy in what will be a Hall of Fame resume is secure. There are still possibilities for her in the sport and one should not view the possibility of her going back up to the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division where she also holds a world championship to attempt to unify a third weight division as unrealistic.

 

While we will have to see what the future holds for Claressa Shields outside of her venture into MMA, which may include facing world champions in lower weight classes, or maybe even venturing into the Bareknuckle realm of the sport, it’s clear that Women’s Boxing has definitely come a long way and the SuperWomen event was a win for Boxing as a whole, but more importantly, a testament to the progress that has been made for Women competing in the sport. Something that has been long overdue.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

Promotional poster Courtesy of FITE TV Used with permission.

 

To watch the  SuperWomen Shields vs. Dicaire pay-per-view on demand for $29.99 download the FITE app on mobile, tablet, or connected streaming devices and Smart TVs or visit: https://www.fite.tv/watch/shields-vs-dicaire/2p8qn/ to order. For more information about FITE including schedules and list of compatible streaming devices/platforms, and Smart TVs, please visit: www.FITE.TV.

 

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SuperWomen: Shields-Dicaire Weights From Flint, MI

 

 

The official weigh-in for Friday night’s SuperWomen: all-women’s Boxing pay-per-view card took place on Thursday in Flint, MI. The weights for the four bout card, which will be headlined by a ten round bout for the Undisputed Women’s Jr. Middleweight world champion between undefeated world champions Claressa Shields and Marie-Eve Dicaire and broadcast globally on digital pay-per-view by the FITE app as well as on www.FITE.TV are as follows. 

Credit: FITE 

 

*Main Event: Undisputed Women’s Jr. Middleweight world championship – 10Rds.

 

Claressa Shields (WBC/WBO world champion) 153 1/2lbs.

 

vs.

 

Marie-Eve Dicaire (IBF world champion) 153 1/2lbs.

 

(* The vacant Women’s WBA Jr. Middleweight world championship will also be on the line making this bout for the Undisputed world championship.)

 

Heavyweight – 8Rds.

 

Danielle Perkins 196 3/4lbs. vs. Monika Harrison 202 3/4lbs.

 

Bantamweight – 6Rds.

 

Marlen Esparza 117 1/4lbs. vs. Shelly Barnett 119lbs.

 

Bantamweight – 6Rds.

 

Jamie Mitchell 120lbs. vs. Noemi Bosques 119 1/2lbs.

 

Promotional Poster Courtesy of: FITE TV Used with permission.

 

 

SuperWomen: Shields vs. Dicaire takes place Tonight (Friday, March 5^th) at the Dort Financial Events Center in Flint, MI. The four bout card can be seen globally on digital pay-per-view on the FITE app across mobile, tablet, connected streaming devices, and Smart TVs beginning at 9PM ET/6PM PT for $29.99. (U.S. Time.) Prior to the pay-per-view broadcast, a one hour pre-show will air beginning at 8PM ET/5PM PT.For more information about including schedules and compatible streaming devices and Smart TVs please visit: www.FITE.TV. To order Shields vs. Dicaire download the FITE app or click the following link: https://www.fite.tv/watch/shields-vs-dicaire/2p8qn/.

 

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

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