On November 15, Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano will vie for the former’s undisputed super lightweight title on the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson card at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. However, it’s conceivable that another title will be on the line: that of the best female fighter in the world.
The women’s pound-for-pound debate hasn’t been as fiery as the men’s in recent years. It’s been generally accepted that Claressa Shields — the self-proclaimed GWOAT — owns that distinction thanks to her sublime skills and three undisputed championships in two weight classes.
MORE: SN’s Top 12 best pound-for-pound women boxers
But what the unbeaten Shields has been lacking since she turned back the challenge of old amateur rival Savannah Marshall two years ago is a big-name nemesis.
In July, the quick-fisted American stylist picked up a fourth divisional title by splattering WBC light heavyweight champ Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse in two rounds. Question: Who the hell is Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse?
It isn’t Shields’ fault, but challenges are beyond limited on and around her weight class. The 29-year-old from Flint, Michigan, has already wiped out the super welterweight, middleweight and super middleweight divisions. And if Lepage-Joanisse is a barometer of the…
