“He’d give all those guys problems”- Claressa Shields on Floyd Mayweather impressing her while training
Follow Us
Claressa Shields(L), Floyd Mayweather(R)
Claressa Shields got all set for her title defense showdown with Slovenia’s Ema Kozin by training at Floyd Mayweather’s Boxing Club in Las Vegas. After a short stint in MMA, Shields is set to make her WBA, WBC, and IBF middleweight title defenses in the squared ring.
She will be making her first British professional debut at Cardiff this weekend as she looks to secure a huge fight against Savannah Marshall later this year.The two-time Olympic gold medallist has only ever lost once in her entire boxing career to Marshall when the two were amateurs and now their rivalry has steadily intensified.
The self-proclaimed ‘GWOAT’ decided to take the undefeated Mayweather’s help with the view to cope with the pressure and challenges of fighting in a foreign nation.There have been reports that Shields is more than just impressed with Mayweather’s teachings as according to her, ‘Money’ still has the means to make it tough for the fighters at 147-154 pounds.
Michael Benson the online boxing editor for talkSPORT.com revealed on his Twitter page that, ” Claressa Shields on being in the gym with Floyd Mayweather this month: “Floyd’s in great shape. He was sparring a 21-year-old, he wasn’t even always taking breaks between rounds. He can still do whatever he wants inside that ring. He’d give all those guys problems at 147/154lbs.” “
Shields had even mentioned to Sky Sports how Mayweather’s training has been a bonus to her career. Just seeing him spar and being in his presence has given her a wonderful experience all around.
Claressa Shields confesses that opportunity to train with Floyd Mayweather just “presented itself”
Claressa Shields will be making her return to the boxing ring to extend her 11-0 professional record and this time with more knowledge and expertise as she recently trained under Floyd Mayweather for her upcoming bout.
Speaking to Sky Sports Shields said, “Floyd told me I was going in the right direction. Not a lot of US fans get to have the experience of going to see what fans in the UK are like. He told me a lot about his experience fighting Ricky Hatton. We talked a lot about my skills, but also about the difference between amateurs and pros. In the pros, you really have to stay calm and take your time. Even in two-minute rounds, he was telling me to slow down and really see those shots coming.”
She however said that she didn’t go looking to train under the former boxer as she was initially in Las Vegas to get some altitude training and having Mayweather’s help was an unanticipated bonus.
“The opportunity with Mayweather just kind of presented itself. Floyd heard I was coming, and he opened his gym to me and my team. It was great to see him spar and be in his presence. It was great to talk to him too and really see what he’s like. It’s great to hear that he’s a huge fan of me and that him and his kids like to watch my fights. It was a great experience overall.”
Stay Updated!
Nimish Ganapathy
(135 Articles Published)