Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse sees herself dethroned by Claressa Shields

It is not “for the paycheck” that Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse agreed to face the boxer whom many consider to be the best in the world “pound for pound”.

The woman from Outaouais says she believes in her chances of succeeding where all other pugilists have failed in the past. She sees herself defeated Claressa Shields (14-0, 2 K.-0.), July 27, in Detroit, Michigan.

Its promoter Eye of the Tiger Management (EOTTM) confirmed Tuesday that Lepage-Joanisse will face the American who holds five middleweight belts (IBF, WBA, WBC, WBF and WBO). She will put at stake her new title of WBC heavyweight champion obtained last March.

Yes, she’s a great boxer. Yes, it’s one of the best. But I am aware that I too can be one of the bestsays Lepage-Joanisse (7-1, 2 KOs) in an interview with Radio-Canada.

The latter recalls having not backed down from anyone during her career, both in the amateur and professional ranks. Challenges, I’ve had so many in my lifeshe adds.

The 28-year-old woman knows that few fans and observers give her any chance of emerging victorious from this confrontation. In his eyes, she is in no way heading towards the slaughterhouse.

Her boxing style, she says, will help her face Shields. Being on the attack will perhaps surprise hersays Lepage-Joanisse.

She and her entourage could have been patient. We could have found some less formidable opponents for him in the coming months. A fight in front of his family in Outaouais could have been an interesting option.

Except that it’s a grandiose opportunity that we couldn’t refuse., admits coach Stéphane Joanisse. He recalled that his protégé always up for challenges. And here we have an extremely good challenge

According to him, this confrontation against Shields registers in a logical sequence following the victory of Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse last March. The boxer defeated Argentina’s Abril Argentine Vidal to win a first world title.

The Petite-Nation coach points out that the Quebec boxer has the opportunity to get her hands on two other belts if she wins. The vacant WBO light heavyweight title will be at stake as will the WBA interim heavyweight title.

On the side ofEOTTM, we hasten to point out that the fight will be contested at 175 pounds. Which implies Shields will have to box in a higher weight category.

It benefits usestimates general manager Antonin Décarie.

Claressa Shields slowly begins to slow downhe adds, a few seconds later, conceding however that it won’t be an easy fight.

Nicknamed “ T-Rex », the American suffered only one defeat in 78 amateur fights in addition to winning Olympic gold in 2012 and 2016 before moving on to the pros.

At the same time, Vanessa was so excited. She wanted the fight. So, we presented him with the opportunity. We believe in our chances. We assessed the situation. Then, we decided to move forward.

For her part, Lepage-Joanisse intends to pull out all the stops to prepare to dethrone the queen Shields. She obtained a month and a half leave from her employer in order to concentrate solely on her training, both in Outaouais and in Montreal.

The main interested party is also thinking of discussing with female boxers who have faced or worked alongside her opponent. The Quebecer Marie-Ève ​​Dicaire notably bowed to the American in Flintin Michigan, in March 2021.

Like her, Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse will face Claressa Shields At her place. The fight is planned at the arena Little Caesars from Detroit.

I expect to get booed…I expect to get booed.