Claressa Shields Has New Opponent For June 3rd
Claressa Shields (13-0, 2 KOs), undisputed across two weight classes and a world champion in three, will now face no. 1 ranked middleweight contender Maricela “La Diva” Cornejo (16-5, 6 KOs). The fight headlines a June 3 card at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. Viewers can catch the action live on DAZN in the USA and Canada. Hanna Gabriels was originally slated to rematch Shields.
However, Gabriels failed a May 2, 2023 VADA test done, as part of the WBC “Clean Boxer Program.” Salita Promotions made the opponent change following this revelation.
The bout with Cornejo will be Shield’s first fight in her home state since a unanimous decision victory over Marie Eve Dicaire in March of 2021. That fight saw her become undisputed in a second weight class, having first achieved that status in early 2019 against Christina Hammer. Cornejo has challenged for world titles on three separate occasions and will be looking to come out victorious in her fourth attempt.
It will be her first fight in the USA since a unanimous decision victory in September of 2021. Cornejo’s last two fights took place in Costa Rica. The two fighters made strong statements about their upcoming clash on June 3.
“I told my team to get me the best,’ said undisputed middleweight champion Shields. “Cornejo is a tall, tough Mexican full of pride who’s in great shape and wants to beat me. She’s ranked number one. That’s exactly what I want for my Detroit homecoming and for my fans around the world. I’m looking forward to a great performance on June 3.”
“When Shields faced a Mexican in the cage, she lost. Now she will lose to a Mexican in the boxing ring,” said Cornejo. “I just finished an amazing fight camp and am in the best, strongest physical and mental shape of my life. My team in Vegas has sharpened me like a knife for this moment. On June 3, I will become Undisputed Champion!”
“Claressa’s goal has always been to fight the best, and we left no stone unturned in making sure we deliver the highest available contender in the undisputed multi organization no. 1 world-rated middleweight Marcelo Cornejo,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “Fans watching the fight live on DAZN and those present for the comeback of big-time boxing in Detroit at Little Caesars Arena will witness the highest level of professional boxing between two hungry fighters fighting for the undisputed middleweight world crown.”
Hear Dan Rafael and T.J. Rives discuss Shields’ new opponent for their June 3rd main event on the latest “Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast” by clicking play below,
Currently writing out of Toronto, Canada, Saadeq first became a boxing fan while living in Doha, Qatar. Looking to become more involved in the sport, he began writing about boxing and has had work published in outlets such as Seconds Out and Boxing Social. He looks forward to continue covering boxing on Big Fight Weekend.
