Claressa Shields looks to become the undisputed heavyweight champion and win a title in her sixth weight class as she faces off against WBC champion Danielle Perkins this Sunday at the Dort Financial Center in Flint, MI.
Shields is climbing up to the heavyweight division to capture another world title in her hometown, and Perkins may not have much to offer outside of a puncher’s chance.
Boxing odds have Shields a -2000 favorite, and Perkins is a +1000 underdog. Here are my best Shields vs. Perkins predictions and free betting picks for Sunday, February 2.
Shields vs Perkins prediction and pick
- My fight prediction
Shields moneyline (-2000 at DraftKings) - My best bet
Shields by decision (-250 at DraftKings)
Fight analysis
Claressa Shields has already cemented her legacy as the greatest female boxer ever, and she’s about to end any debate about it as she moves up to heavyweight in an attempt to capture a title in a sixth division. Only two other fighters — Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao — have accomplished such a feat, further separating her from her contemporaries.
Despite the rarity of the occasion, Shields is a major favorite going into this fight. That is simply because the higher up in weight we go in women’s boxing, the smaller the talent pool and overall quality of fighters. While that’s not a dig at Danielle Perkins, it is telling that she’s 5-0 since turning pro in 2020 and is already a recognized champion.
The 42-year-old former St. John’s college basketball player will certainly have advantages in natural size, and also being four inches taller and having a longer reach than Shields, but her chances of retaining the title are slim.
While we won’t know exactly how Shields will look at heavyweight, she won’t bulk up to the point of compromising her footwork and reflexes. Shields has never been a big puncher, instead winning with agility and intelligence, and she’ll stick to her usual style — darting in with a flurry of shots before retreating and drawing her opponents into counterpunches.
Shields should prove evasive enough to avoid getting caught flush by Perkins’ straight shots. Though the size difference will be noticeable, it won’t take long for the skill gap to become apparent.
Perkins throws telegraphed, clubbing punches and has yet to face an opponent with Shields’ level of skill. Additionally, a common theme in Perkins’ fights has been her subpar conditioning, and she has only fought opponents who stand directly in front of her.
The call is that Shields successfully climbs to the heavyweight division and picks up the title and the win.
Best best analysis
Shields has only scored three knockouts her entire career, so no matter how many shots she’ll land on Perkins, the power simply isn’t there.
As with the majority of Shields’ fights over the years, she’s too big of a favorite where picking her straight-up makes sense, and picking her to win by points is always the best bet to make. Take Shields by decision here and parlay it with the rest of your weekend bets.
Claressa Shields vs Danielle Perkins odds
| Method of victory | Claressa Shields | Danielle Perkins |
|---|---|---|
| Win outright | -2000 | +1000 |
| Win by KO/TKO | +215 | +2800 |
| Win by points or decision | -250 | +1800 |
| Draw | +2500 | +2500 |
Odds courtesy of DraftKings as of 2-2.
Claressa Shields vs Danielle Perkins tale of the tape
| Shields | Perkins | |
|---|---|---|
| 29 | Age | 42 |
| 5-foot-8 | Height | 6-foot |
| Heavyweight | Weight Class | Heavyweight |
| 68 inches | Reach | 72 inches |
| 15-0 | Record | 5-0 |
| 3 | Wins by KO | 2 |
Not intended for use in MA.
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