Perkins vs Shields

On Sunday, Claressa Shields did what most expected. In her hometown of Flint, Michigan, Shields became the first-ever undisputed women’s heavyweight champion with a unanimous decision victory over Danielle Perkins (100-89, 97-92, 99-90).

Danielle Perkins gave a spirited effort, but she was outclassed in terms of speed and pure boxing acumen. Shields nearly scored a knockdown in the third round, but Perkins managed to remain on her feet.

However, in the tenth and final round, Shields scored an explosive knockdown with a wicked right hand in the final seconds of the fight. Here is a look at the absolutely beautiful counter right hand.

Perkins made it to her feet, but if there had been 30 more seconds left in the fight, Shields probably would have gotten the finish.

Here is a look at some of the reactions from notables in the boxing community.

Claressa Shields added another knockout to her résumé to cement her status as one of the most decorated women's boxers ever to step in the ring.

Shields dropped Danielle Perkins with less than 20 seconds left in the 10th and final round of the championship bout to put an exclamation point on a dominant win by unanimous decision (100-89, 97-92, 99-90). In front of a raucous, supportive crowd at the Dort Financial Center in Flint, her hometown, on Sunday night, Shields (16-0, 3 KOs) clinched an undisputed title to become first boxer to win undisputed titles at three different weight classes. Perkins (5-1, 2 KOs) fought until the end but ended the fight on the mat.

Shields came out on the front foot with early pressure. Using her speed advantage, Shields closed the gap between her and the bigger Perkins to consistently get in range to throw bunches of right hooks and overhands, accompanied with a near-constant left jab.

Perkins withstood the assault and seemingly found more energy in the final three rounds and started landing powerful jabs and uppercuts on Shields, but eventually the aggression came back to bite. Perkins was searching for a late finish, but left herself open to a big right hook that dropped her to end the fight in the final seconds.