Claressa Shields attributed her decision to turn professional to a desire to build a legacy. Crews, an eight-times national champion and alternate on the last two US Olympic teams, was no walkover and managed to back Shields against the ropes and land a series of punches early. Shields wants to elevate women’s boxing the way Ronda Rousey propelled women’s MMA from sideshow to headline attraction. The fighter nicknamed T-Rex has yet to sign with a promoter and made Saturday’s debut on a one-fight deal with Roc Nation Sports, which backs Ward. After Saturday’s successful debut, Shields said that she hopes to fight again in January or February.

Source: The Guardian November 20, 2016 02:23 UTC