Shields and Habazin 

Undisputed Female middleweight champion, American Claressa Shields, and former world champion Ivana Habazin went face to face to announce  their super welterweight battle, with the World Boxing Council diamond at stake.

The clash be on Saturday October 5 at the Federal Dort Event Center of Flint, Michigan.

This is what the fighters commented during the conference:

Claressa Shields

“I’m so happy to be here. This moment takes a long time to come. I’ve been professional for nine fights and all I wanted to do is go back home and fight. I haven’t fought here since I was an amateur fighter, when I was 18.

“Being here now as a professional with two Olympic gold medals, all my belts and my entire team here, feels really good. Our city has been through difficult times with the water crisis, but I wanted to show that we are still fighting side by side with the people.

“I understand that Habazin is here and wants to win, but don’t come here as if it were a walk in the park.” Christina Hammer thought it was a joke, so I hope Habazin takes it as seriously as possible.

“I love this challenge, but you won’t beat me in front of my family and friends.”

IVANA HABAZIN

“This is a great opportunity for me. I’m anxious to face Shields and conquer the title. Claressa Shields is a spectacular fighter and I respect her, but I’m going to take her to my fight. I didn’t come here just to fight; I came here for the victory.

“She is taking on a great challenge. If she says she will do the weight, then I believe her. But I know it will be difficult for her because it is not her natural division. I hope she does the weight and we have a good fight. Fighting at 154 pounds is an advantage for me.

“When I decided to fight in the middleweight division, I started fighting there because I wanted to fight with her. She is the best fighter and I know I can beat her. When they told me that she wanted to lose weight, I knew it was the perfect time.”

This combat will be the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION (9 pm ET / 6 pm PT).

WBC Press Release