Former unified world middleweight champion Christina Hammer is hoping to land a rematch with Claressa Shields after suffering a first defeat against the American.
In an uncharacteristic performance, Hammer struggled to win a round against Shields when the pair met for all four versions of the 160 pound titles.
Hammer, the youngest ever winner of a WBO championship at 20 years of age in 2010, is now planning to dust herself off to go again after teaming up with new trainer Juergen Braehmer.
Drafting in the former world champion is a strategic ploy by Hammer to regroup. She aims to make the necessary changes to compete with Shields in a second fight down the line.
Kicking off an interview with WBN, Hammer was asked how she reflects of the defeat two months on.
“It was my first loss, which is not easy to take. But directly after the fight, I realized I have to change something, so I have a new coach now,” Hammer exclusively explained to World Boxing News.
“That fight was not my best performance. I have everything I need to beat Shields, but I wasn’t able to access it in this fight.
“My former coach is 84 years old (Dimitri Kirnos) so my new coach can push me more intensely.
“I’m not happy with my performance at all. Shields was much better than me that night. But I have learned from my mistakes.”
On when she expects to return to action, Hammer stated: “We are preparing everything for a big fight in Germany against Nikki Adler. I hope we can set a date soon.
“I want to train and live in Germany now I’m with trainer Juergen Braehmer. He is a great German boxer with good skills and strategy.
“He has trained a few fighters in the past, but he’s still young and in shape. I know he can push me and help me to give my all.
“My goal is to get my belt back. I want to be the champ again.”
Quizzed on whether a move in weight is on the cards, Hammer was adamant she still feels comfortable where she’s at right now.
“I feel great in middleweight, that really is my class. I could also fight in super middleweight, but I would never go down to 69 kgs. It’s too light for me and I feel weak because I’m tall.
“I’m going to stay at middleweight. I want the rematch against Shields,” she added.
P4P
WBN recently extended their Women’s Pound for Pound Rankings from a top five to a top ten, with Hammer in sixth and Cecilia Braekhus above second-placed Shields at number one.
Giving her opinion, Hammer concluded: “Cecilia is a long-time champion, and she has been undisputed for a long time.
“She has had a great career; she is a great fighter and a great person and she deserves this.”
Phil Jay is Editor of World Boxing News. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay
