Quotes and Prediction for Feb. 2

Claressa Shields (15-0, 3 KOs) and Danielle Perkins (5-0, 2 KOs) will soon clash to become the undisputed heavyweight champion.

Their bout headlines a Salita Promotions card at the Dort Financial Center in Flint, MI. Boxing fans around the world can catch the action live on DAZN. Shields will defend her WBC heavyweight title for the first time since stopping Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse in July last year. The vacant WBA, WBO, and IBF titles will also be at stake, making this an undisputed contest.

Ahead of their February 2 fight, Shields and Perkins spoke at a press conference. Below is some of what they had to say.

Claressa Shields vs. Danielle Perkins Press Conference Quotes

Claressa Shields

“I’m so happy to see everybody here,” said Shields. “I want to give honour to just God first because without God I wouldn’t be here. My lord and saviour Jesus Christ, amen. I don’t really know where I’d like to start. It’s been a crazy couple of years…I am looking forward to a very tough fight with Danielle, but, there’s some things you guys forgot. Y’all just forgot that I’ve been doing this shit for a long time and I’ve been preparing to beat the best for a long time…just know, I have prepared overtime for Danielle…”

Danielle Perkins

“I’m totally excited about this opportunity,” said Perkins.

“It’s been a long time waiting. I always have told Claressa I do always appreciate everything that she’s done for boxing. Her coming up to the heavyweight division is the best thing that could’ve ever happened to me in my entire life…I have five fights, not because of [a] lack of attempting to give fights. No one ever wants to step in the ring with me and it’s unfortunate because I got some skills, you know what I mean? I know I look intimidating but I got some things in my tool bag that I got to show people but unfortunately I never had the opportunity. Sunday for real, this what we all about…”

Fight Prediction

Perkins enters this fight having had a successful amateur career. She medalled twice at the World Championships, winning bronze in 2018 and gold in 2019. However, as a heavyweight in the professional ranks, there have not been many opportunities for her. This fight against Shields is a chance for her to show the world what she has got. However, Shields has had even greater success in her career, both professionally and in the amateurs. In the end, she should have too much for Perkins. Expect the GWOAT to win via unanimous decision.

Full Press Conference

For the press conference in its entirety, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of Mid-Michigan NOW.