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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Connor O'Neill

Claressa Shields makes offer to Natasha Jonas as summer UK super fight targeted

Claressa Shields has made an offer to Natasha Jonas as the undisputed middleweight champion eyes a return to the UK in 2023.

Jonas revealed at the turn of the year that she would love a crack at the American in the coming months after enjoying a 2022 to remember. The 38-year-old claimed three world titles in 10 months to finish the year as the unified super-welterweight world champion.

Shields, on the other hand, looked spectacular when beating Savannah Marshall in October to become the undisputed middleweight champion. And now Shields' promoter Dmitry Salita says the American is waiting on a response to her offer from Jonas.

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He said: "We love the fight. The ball is in Natasha's court. I know she talked about wanting to fight Claressa but has not stepped up to the plate to accept it after receiving an offer."

Salita, speaking to Sky Sports, then added: "Yes we love the UK boxing culture, its fans and media. To come to UK for boxing is always a holiday.

"It's incredibly important every one of her fights have had historic significance and moved women's boxing and culture at large towards equality.

"It's her desire to be the best and taking on the hardest possible challenges in the ring to create interest and drive the sport to new heights.

"From her pro debut beating Franchón Crews-Dezurn, a current unified world champion, to her second professional fight when she was the first woman ever to headline a boxing card on premium cable television in prime time on Showtime, and obviously her last performance that was initially delayed due to the Queen's passing which added even more significance to her fight versus her long time rival Savanna Marshall.

"Claressa travelled thousands of miles away from her home to avenge her only loss in another event that broke viewership records for not just boxing, but women's sports.

"Claressa grew up in one of the most challenging places Flint, Michigan USA. She understands her role, gives back her time and money in her community and understands what she represents around the world."

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