Claressa Shields vs. Maricela Cornejo: Fight Odds, Live Stream, Predictions

Claressa Shields returns to her native Michigan to take on Maricela Cornejo with her undefeated professional record and her six middleweight titles on the line.

The two-time Olympic gold medalist returns to Michigan after fighting Ema Kozin in Wales and Savannah Marshall in England.

The bout was originally slated to pit Shields against Hanna Gabriels in a rematch of their 2018 bout. However, Gabriels was removed from the bout on Thursday due to results from a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association test.

The 36-year-old Cornejo stepped in on short notice. It is a huge opportunity for her to make a name for herself. The 16-5 fighter has fought for a world title and three occasions comping up short against Franchón Crews-Dezurn and suffering a decision loss to Kali Reis early in her career.

Here's a look at all the info you need to catch the fight, a preview and prediction.

Fight Info

Terrell Groggins/Getty Images

Claressa Shields during a press conference for the fight.

When: Saturday, June 3. Main Card starts at 9 p.m. ET.

Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan

Live stream: DAZN

Odds: Shields -8000 ($8,000 wager wins $100); Cornejo +1600 ($100 wager wins $1,600)

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook

Preview

AP Photo/Carlos Osorio

Maricela Cornejo

As the odds would indicate, this fight should be all Claressa Shields. There's a reason she's called the GWOAT.

Shields' decorated Olympic career and dominance since turning pro have led to that reputation and she's even won a fight in MMA, showing off her versatility.

The 28-year-old has had very few moments in the ring where she even looks vulnerable. Her original opponent authored one of those rare instances, but Shields knows there's new challenges to worry about with a last-minute opponent switch.

"I had to switch my mindset up when Maricela Cornejo became the opponent," Shields said, per Thomas Gerbasi of Boxing Scene. "She's tall, she's fresh and she's fought for the world title before. This chance to fight for undisputed is once in a lifetime for her, so I'm excited to face an opponent who I know is ready to go."

Cornejo will have the height and reach advantage. At 5'10" with a 72" reach, she's considerably taller and longer than the 5'8" Shields whose reach is 68".

But Cornejo doesn't sound like a fighter who is going to be content to try and play the stick and move game. She knows Shields is going to bring the heat and intends to match that with her own aggression.

"She's coming after me, so I'm fighting fire with fire," Cornejo said, per Keith Idec or Boxing Scene. "There's no backing down at all. It's gonna take heart, endurance, everything and the kitchen sink. That's the kind of fighter that Claressa is and I'm so ready for it."

Cornejo was preparing for a fight on June 6 so it isn't as though she's getting up off the couch to put in appearance.

She's a massive underdog for obvious reasons but she's talking like an underdog willing to make things interesting.

Prediction

Tom Jenkins/Getty Images

Claressa Shields (L) punches Savannah Marshall (R) during the IBF, WBA, WBC, WBO World Middleweight Title fight during the historic all-women boxing card at the O2 Arena on October 15th 2022 in London (Photo by Tom Jenkins/Getty Images)

Credit to Cornejo for being game enough to step in on short notice. She's on a three-fight winning streak and is cashing in that momentum to get another shot at a title.

But if she wasn't able to get a title on her first three attempts it's unlikely that she's able to take the belts from Shields.

The biggest question for fans (and bettors) is whether Shields can win by knockout. If there's a hole in her resume it's the lack of knockouts. She has just two in her professional career.

Cornejo may be willing to push the pace and put pressure on Shields, but the champion is too technically savvy, too fast and too strong for it to make much difference.

Cornejo has five losses on her resume but all have been decisions. It's likely she'll be getting her sixth on Saturday night, but her toughness should carry her through until the judge's card have to be read.

Prediction: Shields via decision

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