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Claressa Shields expects a throwdown with Maricela Cornejo

Undisputed Middleweight World Champion Claressa ā€œG.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

ā€œIā€™m 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 sheā€™s always in shape. Itā€™s gonna be a real throwdown in Motown.

ā€œI know she said she wants to go out there and dance, but youā€™re 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.

ā€œItā€™s fight week and thereā€™s 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 donā€™t get too many of these opportunities.

ā€œIā€™m just happy and excited about this fight. Iā€™m looking forward to putting on a show and showing that Iā€™m the greatest once again.

ā€œPeople in Detroit are ready to celebrate. The city is already celebrating because itā€™s a big moment for Detroit. But Iā€™m still focused on winning the fight. Itā€™s big for all of us, but Iā€™m keeping my head down.

ā€œWhen I got the call about fighting at Little Caesars Arena, it felt like there was a slim chance weā€™d 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

ā€œWhen I got the call I was getting ready for another fight, so we were coming to the end of camp anyway. This isnā€™t a last minute thing for me, because Iā€™m always ready. Iā€™m always staying in the gym. I live, eat and breathe boxing.

ā€œIā€™m ready for this opportunity and thereā€™s 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 thatā€™s what weā€™re trying to do. She needs a good dance partner to do that. When they called, I said Iā€™m ready to dance.

ā€œBeing an underdog doesnā€™t affect me at all. Iā€™m gonna go put some money on myself. I knew Iā€™d be the underdog. Sheā€™s got the titles, so I know what I have to do.

ā€œI have absolutely no doubt in my mind that this is the perfect time for me to take this fight. Some might think that itā€™s short notice, but Iā€™m in tip-top shape.

ā€œSheā€™s coming after me, so Iā€™m fighting fire with fire. Thereā€™s no backing down at all. Itā€™s gonna take heart, endurance, everything and the kitchen sink. Thatā€™s the kind of fighter that Claressa is and Iā€™m so ready for it.ā€

ARDREAL HOLMES

ā€œIā€™m really happy that everyone came out and that Flint and Detroit are gonna get to watch us on Saturday. This is a Michigan thing. Itā€™s a Michigan card. We all want to show out.

ā€œI know that I have to look impressive and open the door for me to eventually fight for a world title. Iā€™m taking it one fight at a time, but Iā€™m coming for the top of the division.

ā€œThereā€™s not much more talking, Iā€™ll just see everyone on June 3.ā€

WENDY TOUSSAINT

ā€œIā€™m very happy to be here for this fight. I know my opponent is very tough, but this is nothing new to me. Iā€™ll see you in the ring on Saturday.

ā€œIā€™ve had a great training camp and I feel prepared for this fight. I respect Holmes, but heā€™s not going to be bringing anything that I havenā€™t seen before.ā€

DMITRIY SALITA, President of Salita Promotions

ā€œBig-time boxing is back in Michigan on June 3 right here at Little Caesars Arena, and weā€™re 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 ā€˜a tree grows in Brooklynā€™, but boxing grows in Detroit.

ā€œThis 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.

ā€œThe 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

ā€œWelcome to fight week. As Detroitā€™s premier live entertainment company, 313 Presents is excited to present the first ever boxing event here at Little Caesars Arena. Weā€™re making history with this fight.

ā€œI want to thank Claressa and her whole team for all their hard work and preparation, as weā€™re just a few days away from the big event. I also want to thank Maricela for stepping in and taking on this challenge.

ā€œIn addition to the main event, Dmitriy has put together a terrific fight card featuring some of Michiganā€™s best prospects. On top of Flint, Michigan being represented weā€™ve got Dearborn and Grand Rapids, and each of these fighters are going to make this first ever boxing event here historic and memorable.

ā€œClaressa, 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. Weā€™re looking forward to a great crowd and the city being abuzz for boxing.ā€