Claressa Shields’ Detroit Homecoming Clouded By Accusations Of A Tune Up
Claressa Shields is set to headline at the Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, on June 3rd, 2023, in what will be the venue’s first-ever boxing bout.
The undisputed champion, Shields, will face off against four-division champion Hanna Gabriels.
Shields had her most recent fight in Michigan, where she defeated Marie Eve Dicaire to become the undisputed super welterweight champion.
In contrast, in 2021, Gabriels recently secured the WBA Light Heavyweight and WBC Heavyweight titles by halting Martha Lara Gaytan.
𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐄𝐋𝐃𝐒 𝐎𝐍 𝐃𝐀𝐙𝐍 🔥
Undisputed middleweight champion @Claressashields puts her belts on the line against Hanna Gabriels on June 3 👑#ShieldsGabriels2 | Live on DAZN in US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand pic.twitter.com/tNN1sN7F79
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) April 9, 2023
However, based on their first meeting, the Shields vs. Gabriels bout may be a one-sided affair.
In 2018, Shields walked away with a unanimous decision victory, despite being knocked down for the first time in her career.
But that has not stopped both fighters from putting it all on the line.
“I wanted a true homecoming fight in the U.S. I’m really excited to headline the first fight ever at Little Caesars Arena. Hanna Gabriels knocked me down in round one in our first fight and I’ve wanted the rematch ever since to settle that score,” Shields
“Claressa and boxing fans can expect to see the best version of Hanna Gabriels come fight night. I knocked Claressa down in our first fight and I intend to do the same in our rematch. Only this time, she’ll stay down,” Gabriels
And yet, Gabriel will have her work cut. Shields is keeping active, with no time to overlook anyone, as talks of a potential rematch with Savannah Marshall gather pace.
As such, the fight has not been well received with suggestions it is just a tune up.
Social Media Reaction
Shields wins every round.
— Mark Jones (@boxingjones) April 9, 2023
Pointless fight.
— Iron Chin Boxing (@IronChinBoxing) April 9, 2023
She's 40 year old.
They fought 5 years ago
Definitely hand picking now.
— Jarrod Patrick Duffy – BLACK LIVES MATTER (@Newdayduffy) April 9, 2023