

The multi-division champion, Claressa Shields, has explained why she won’t accidentally head-kick her opponent in a boxing fight. The undefeated champion revealed what she’s doing differently to ensure that her boxing and MMA training don’t clash in the ring.

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DETROIT, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 02: Claressa Shields works out during a pre fight media workout at the Downtown Boxing Gym on October 02, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Shields is on the verge of making history when she takes on Canadian champion Marie-Eve Dicaire. She could become the first boxer in history to be undisputed in two divisions. However, she has reminded fans she is still a boxer.
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The champion recently signed with MMA promotion, PFL. ‘The GWOAT’ spoke to FightHype.com on YouTube and commented on her switch to MMA. She said, “It’s a whole different feeling though like, I got a whole different stance when I’m doing MMA. And, between you and I, I may be fighting southpaw. So it’s so weird like…”
This comment showed the detail Shields is putting into her training ahead of her cage debut. But despite the training, Shields will not lose focus on her boxing. Moreover, it also showed the American’s confidence in her abilities to take the challenge of two sports at once.
READ: Claressa Shields or Amanda Nunes: Who Is the Real GWOAT?
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Claressa Shields explains why she may fight MMA in southpaw
The undefeated champion did not leave it at that. Shields’ claim of fighting in a southpaw stance may raise a few eyebrows in the sport since she has enjoyed so much success in her orthodox stance. So why is Claressa Shields switching stances for MMA?
It has nothing to do with avoiding the clash between MMA and boxing. Instead, Shields explained the decision and said, “Yeah, I have a stronger stance that way and everything just makes more sense to me. Yeah, it’s weird, but I took a lot of time like, I was born a lefty.”

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ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – JANUARY 10: Claressa Shields throws a left hand against Ivana Habazin during their fight on January 10, 2020 at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey. (Photo by Edward Diller/Getty Images)
Therefore, Shields felt that the southpaw stance is more beneficial to her with MMA. Moreover, as she revealed, since she was born a lefty, it will not be alien for her to fight in the southpaw stance.
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What do you make of the comments from Claressa Shields? Do you think she can keep the distinction between boxing and MMA?
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