Undisputed Middleweight World Champion Claressa āG.W.O.A.T.ā Shields and No. 1 rated contender Maricela Cornejo went face-to-face for the first time at the final press conference.
They meet in the ring this Saturday, June 3 from Little Caesars Arena in Detroit and streamed live on DAZN in the U.S. and Canada.
CLARESSA SHIELDS
āIām facing a younger, taller and more savvy opponent in Maricela Cornejo than I was in Hanna Gabriels. I want to thank Maricela for accepting this challenge and coming here. I know that sheās always in shape. Itās gonna be a real throwdown in Motown.
āI know she said she wants to go out there and dance, but youāre gonna be dancing by yourself. Because I came to fight. She can salsa all she wants, but I came to throw down and show my skills.
āItās fight week and thereās not much more to say. Boxing is changing. To be having this fight here in front of thousands of fans in Detroit, with the G.W.O.A.T. in the main event, we donāt get too many of these opportunities.
āIām just happy and excited about this fight. Iām looking forward to putting on a show and showing that Iām the greatest once again.
āPeople in Detroit are ready to celebrate. The city is already celebrating because itās a big moment for Detroit. But Iām still focused on winning the fight. Itās big for all of us, but Iām keeping my head down.
āWhen I got the call about fighting at Little Caesars Arena, it felt like there was a slim chance weād get to fight here. They offered a lot of money to fight again in the U.K., but I wanted to bring my titles here.ā
MARICELA CORNEJO
āWhen I got the call I was getting ready for another fight, so we were coming to the end of camp anyway. This isnāt a last minute thing for me, because Iām always ready. Iām always staying in the gym. I live, eat and breathe boxing.
āIām ready for this opportunity and thereās no excuses come Saturday night. Claressa has done so much for the sport of boxing and everyone in this sport is trying to do our part. Our responsibility is just to make a difference in the sport and thatās what weāre trying to do. She needs a good dance partner to do that. When they called, I said Iām ready to dance.
āBeing an underdog doesnāt affect me at all. Iām gonna go put some money on myself. I knew Iād be the underdog. Sheās got the titles, so I know what I have to do.
āI have absolutely no doubt in my mind that this is the perfect time for me to take this fight. Some might think that itās short notice, but Iām in tip-top shape.
āSheās coming after me, so Iām fighting fire with fire. Thereās no backing down at all. Itās gonna take heart, endurance, everything and the kitchen sink. Thatās the kind of fighter that Claressa is and Iām so ready for it.ā
ARDREAL HOLMES
āIām really happy that everyone came out and that Flint and Detroit are gonna get to watch us on Saturday. This is a Michigan thing. Itās a Michigan card. We all want to show out.
āI know that I have to look impressive and open the door for me to eventually fight for a world title. Iām taking it one fight at a time, but Iām coming for the top of the division.
āThereās not much more talking, Iāll just see everyone on June 3.ā
WENDY TOUSSAINT
āIām very happy to be here for this fight. I know my opponent is very tough, but this is nothing new to me. Iāll see you in the ring on Saturday.
āIāve had a great training camp and I feel prepared for this fight. I respect Holmes, but heās not going to be bringing anything that I havenāt seen before.ā
DMITRIY SALITA, President of Salita Promotions
āBig-time boxing is back in Michigan on June 3 right here at Little Caesars Arena, and weāre going to see Claressa Shields defend her undisputed title against the top rated contender Maricela Cornejo. This is a big event for Detroit, Michigan and boxing as a whole. They say āa tree grows in Brooklynā, but boxing grows in Detroit.
āThis is going to be a historic night of boxing. Claressa Shields has opened the door for Michigan and Detroit talent to be seen on a worldwide scale. This card will feature some of the best talent in the world of boxing from right here in the state.
āThe city of Flint has provided some of the best fighters in the sport of boxing and many believe that Ardreal Holmes is next in line. He is undefeated and stepping in for the most challenging fight of his career.ā
HOWARD HANDLER, President of 313 Presents
āWelcome to fight week. As Detroitās premier live entertainment company, 313 Presents is excited to present the first ever boxing event here at Little Caesars Arena. Weāre making history with this fight.
āI want to thank Claressa and her whole team for all their hard work and preparation, as weāre just a few days away from the big event. I also want to thank Maricela for stepping in and taking on this challenge.
āIn addition to the main event, Dmitriy has put together a terrific fight card featuring some of Michiganās best prospects. On top of Flint, Michigan being represented weāve got Dearborn and Grand Rapids, and each of these fighters are going to make this first ever boxing event here historic and memorable.
āClaressa, you definitely inspire and give hope to many people out there. Claressa has really gone above and beyond to give back to people who are often overlooked. Weāre looking forward to a great crowd and the city being abuzz for boxing.ā