Claressa Shields Triumphs with a Knockout Victory Over Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse
On a thrilling night in Detroit, Claressa Shields showcased why she's a force to be reckoned with in the boxing world. In a stunning display of skill and power, Shields captured the WBC heavyweight championship by knocking out Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse in the second round. With just 1 minute and 9 seconds remaining in the round, Shields solidified her dominance and added another impressive accolade to her already illustrious career.
Round 1: Shields Dominates from the Start
From the moment the bell rang, it was clear that Shields was in control. She entered the ring calm and composed, while Lepage-Joanisse, brimming with excitement, tried to match her opponent's energy. The initial exchanges saw both fighters feeling each other out, but it quickly became apparent that Shields had the upper hand.
The crowd at Little Caesars Arena was electric, fully invested in the action. Shields, known for her heavy punches, delivered a series of blows that left Lepage-Joanisse stunned. By the end of the first round, Shields was clearly ahead, setting the stage for an even more intense second round.
Round 2: The Knockout
The second round began with Shields riding the momentum from her dominant first round. She came out with aggressive intent, landing heavy shots that quickly overwhelmed Lepage-Joanisse. The first knockdown came early in the round, and although Lepage-Joanisse managed to rise quickly, the damage was done.
Shields wasn't done yet. She continued to press forward with a barrage of powerful combinations, and soon enough, she knocked Lepage-Joanisse down again. This time, the champion struggled more to get back on her feet, but she managed to rise by the time the referee reached the count of five.
With the crowd roaring and Shields sensing victory, she launched one final, decisive attack. Lepage-Joanisse fell to the canvas once more, and this time, there was no getting up. The referee stepped in, calling the fight and declaring Shields the winner by knockout.
What's at Stake: Shields' Ambitious Move to Heavyweight
The stakes were high for Shields as she entered the ring on that Saturday night. Known for her achievements in three different weight classes, Shields was making a significant jump up to the heavyweight division. Her opponent, Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse, held the WBC heavyweight title, making this a high-profile bout.
In addition to the WBC heavyweight title, the fight was also for the WBF heavyweight title and the WBO light heavyweight title. This complex array of titles added another layer of intrigue to the bout, but Shields' flawless performance made the outcome clear.
A Local Hero in Detroit
Shields, a Flint native, was a familiar face around Detroit in the lead-up to the fight. Her presence was felt at various local events, including serving as an honorary guest runner at the "We Run 313" event and visiting the Detroit Lions training camp. These appearances underscored her connection to the city and the support she received from the local community.
Despite stepping up to a new weight class, Shields was heavily favored to win. Lepage-Joanisse, who had claimed her belt with a victory over Abril Argentina Vidal earlier in the year, was facing a formidable challenge in the undefeated Shields.
How to Catch the Action
For those who missed the live event, the fight between Claressa Shields and Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse was available for streaming on DAZN pay-per-view. Subscribers to DAZN had the opportunity to watch this thrilling bout on a range of devices, ensuring fans could catch the action no matter where they were.
Fight Details:
- Date: Saturday, July 27, 2024
- Location: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit
- Time: 9 p.m. ET for the stream, with the main event ring walks at 12 a.m. ET
Available Streaming Platforms
DAZN offered coverage of the fight on a variety of apps, making it accessible for many viewers. These included:
- Apple TV
- Chromecast
- Amazon Fire TV/Stick/Tablet
- Android Phone & Tablet
- iPhone & iPad
- Smart TVs (LG, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony)
- SmartCast
- Xbox One/Series X|S
- PlayStation 4/5
- Roku
With this extensive range of platforms, fans had no shortage of options to watch Shields' knockout victory.
A Night to Remember
Claressa Shields' triumph over Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse was a momentous occasion in the world of boxing. Her performance not only earned her the heavyweight titles but also reinforced her reputation as one of the sport's most dominant figures. The night at Little Caesars Arena was a testament to her skill, preparation, and sheer determination.
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