Claressa Shields Retains Her Undisputed Middleweight Titles With Easy Win Over Maricela Cornejo

Claressa Shields‘ homecoming went to plan as she defeated Maricela Cornejo via a unanimous decision to keep her undisputed middleweight titles at the Little Caesars Arena, Detroit. 

From the opening bell, however, Shields had to contend with a spirited display from Cornejo. The latter’s jab and movement kept her away from Shields’ right hand.

However, her lack of power ultimately told as it was not enough to keep Shields from coming forward. And so it showed in the following rounds.

In the fifth, Shields landed a combination that left a cut over Cornejo’s right eye. The bombardment continued as the American hurt Cornejo in the seventh, as Shields’ straight rights sent her into the ropes.

Claressa Shields jumps all over Maricela Cornejo with combinations in RD7 😳 #ShieldsCornejo | #Boxing pic.twitter.com/zTfLDfzgHu

— RINGOFHIGHLIGHTS (@ringofhighlight) June 4, 2023

Although Cornejo managed to see out the round, the writing was on the wall. As the championship rounds approached, Cornejo began to tire as Shields walked away with a comprehensive unanimous-decision victory: 100-89, 100-90 and 100-90.

Victory leaves Shields with many options moving forward. A rematch with Savannah Marshall could follow, meanwhile, the American also suggested that she could crossover into MMA once again.

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“I felt great. You know, I was landing my shots. I won every round, like I knew I could. I pressed for the knockout. I went for the knockout I don’t know how many times in the fight.

“Maricela is tough, had a good right hand herself and was very smart and sturdy when I started hitting her and knew how to survive. So, she did a great job. And, you know, congrats to me again,” Shields

“You’ve created a movement in women’s boxing, and you really are the GWOAT (Greatest Woman of All Time). After fighting you, I’m ready to go back to 154 pounds or even 147,” Cornejo