Claressa Shields insists that she is the greatest female fighter of all time and is comparable to the best male boxers in the world.
The famous American will make her UK debut on Saturday, live on skysports, against Ema Kozin in a fight that could set up a dream matchup with former rival Savannah Marshall.
Shields is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, three-weight world champion and two-time undisputed champion who will defend her IBF, WBA and WBC middleweight titles.
Shields said: “I’m here to beat Kozin and then your favorite Marshall.
“Kozin is 21-0 with 11 knockouts, but there is a difference between good and great. I was great for a long time. I do not feel comfortable.
“Does a 23-year-old girl think she’s going to take my belts off me? [annoys me]. But I can express myself on Saturday.
“I am not only the best woman of all time. But you can put me on the pound-for-pound men’s list because my skills are amazing.
“Now is the perfect time to be a fighter. Right now, the UK reigns supreme in women’s boxing.
“I am happy to be a pioneer with Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano. »
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Shields has produced devastating performances in his professional career thus far.
Shields manager Mark Taffet said: “She knows who she is. He knows where he comes from and where he is going.
“His intention is to defend women. To ensure they have the opportunity to realize their dreams. Legality.
“Like Muhammad Ali and Billie Jean King, athletes who have transcended their sport, Shields will do the same. »
Caroline Dubois, the 21-year-old Olympian, will make her professional debut against Vaida Masiokaite on the same card.
She said: “I want people to remember me. I don’t want to be remembered as a good boxer. I want to be remembered as a good boxer, period. »
BOXXER promoter Ben Shalom said of Dubois: “He is a diamond in the sport. I hope I can learn a lot from Claressa.
“It is the beginning of a future superstar. »
Sky Sports boxing schedule
Saturday February 5 in Cardiff
Chris Eubank Jr vs. Liam Williams
Claressa Shields vs. Ema Kozin – IBF, WBA and WBC middleweight titles
Saturday February 19 in Manchester
Amir Khan vs. Kell Brook
Natasha Jonas vs. Ewa Piatkowska – WBO Super Welterweight Title
Frazer Clarke’s professional debut
Saturday February 26 in Glasgow
Josh Taylor vs. Jack Catterall – undisputed welterweight titles
Nick Campbell vs. Jay McFarlane – Scottish heavyweight title
Saturday, March 5 in Fresno
Jose Ramirez vs. Jose Pedraza
Saturday March 12 in Newcastle
Savannah Marshall vs. Femke Hermans – WBO middleweight title
Sunday March 20 in New York
Edgar Berlanga vs Steve Rolls
Keyshawn Davis
Alexander Zayas
