Thurman Accepts Claressa Shields’ Fight Offer – ‘I’d Probably Use My Jab Only’
Keith Thurman has accepted Claressa Shields‘ request to fight him in what would be boxing’s first ever mixed-gender fight.
Shields has called out ‘One Time’ on numerous occasions, the latest of which was on the fight weekend between Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford.
Claressa Shields has officially called out Keith Thurman for a fight at 154 lbs. This would be the first time in boxing history when a female fighter fights a male fighter. pic.twitter.com/UFujwpkt4B
— SAY CHEESE! 👄🧀 (@SaycheeseDGTL) August 1, 2023
In response, Thurman accepted the proposal for the fight provided that it was done for charity.
🤯 CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! 🤯@keithfthurmanjr IS CONSIDERING TAKING ON @Claressashields w/ STIPULATIONS and would just use his JAB to beat her! #boxing #womensboxing #bwbsp pic.twitter.com/3sygxxJuzX
— Best Womens Boxing Show (@BestWomensBSP) August 1, 2023
“I can fight for any charity event, we can raise money and let you try to showcase your skills and talent. I’d probably use my jab only.
“But at the end of the day, I don’t know why you wanna gun after me, I’ve heard you say my name so many times in the past, but this is not what boxing is to me.
“If the fans were actually interested in something like this, it’s not really in my heart, but for the people and for charity I would make something like that happen.
“I would wear bigger gloves, I would let her wear smaller gloves. I would let her wear headgear too. I don’t really wanna punch a girl in the face,” Thurman
Shields did not take those comments too lightly, as she doubled down on her beliefs that she could beat the former unified welterweight champion.
“Keith said he don’t want to punch a girl in the face. Well I want to punch a man named Keith in the face for charity…I think I can outbox him,” Shields
Although Thurman has agreed to accept the fight, the social media response was far from enthusiastic. Many wanted to see Thurman return to fighting the best in the welterweight division, as opposed to facing Shields.
Social Media Response
I do not want to see this
— Dr. Cameo Green Coleman (@Dr_CameoColeman) August 2, 2023
We love you champ, but no lol
— Legend (@L3g3nd803) August 2, 2023
This just isn't a good idea
— Hands T. (@HandsTho) August 2, 2023