The kick-off press conference for the biggest fight in the history of women’s boxing took place on Tuesday, February 26 at The Dream Hotel in Downtown Brooklyn, New York.
Claressa Shields and Christina Hammer will be putting their undefeated records and all four major sanctioning body titles on the line when they match up on April 13 in Atlantic City. The bout will air live on Showtime.
During the press conference both women made it be known that they have no fear of what the other brings to the table. Although there was a healthy level of respect between the two they did not mince words when they spoke on the microphone.
“She is good a fighter but she is beatable,” said Hammer during her portion of the press conference. “She has the fake WBC title. I am the real champion, but I respect her ability in the ring.”
Those words by Hammer did not go unanswered by Shields.
“I can’t wait to show her how much of a fake champion I really am,” said Shields. “We got the real belt, the flower belt is out. At the end of the day I’m coming to fight.”
Throughout the presser both women would take small jabs at each other while also showing respect for the others skill set. The animosity shown towards one another is sure to lead to fireworks in the ring come April 13.
Both women have a unique opportunity in front of them as this represents the first true super fight for women’s boxing.
Throughout the history of women’s boxing, super fights have seldom been talked about, let alone made. Laila Ali vs. Ann Wolfe comes to mind as a particularly big fight that for reason unknown was never made. Shields vs. Hammer represents a must-see fight that will place women’s boxing at the forefront of boxing in general.
The quest to becoming the undisputed champion will be achieved by one of these women, while the loser will have to sit there and think, what if.
Showtime will give Shields vs. Hammer a fair amount of spotlight leading up to the bout including two episodes of their in-depth All Access series.
