Claressa Shields’ New Year’s Resolution: Knocking Ivana Habazin Out

The 2010’s provided plenty of memorable moments for the boxing world. Towards the end of the decade, women within the sport were able to showcase just how dominant they can be in the ring. One of the leaders of that movement was Claressa Shields. Now, she is set to start the 2020’s off with a bang.

Shields (9-0) is set to face Ivana Habazin inside the Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City on January 10. Winning one fight in 2019 after going 4-0 in 2018, the two-time Olympic medalists goals for the new year involve one consistent theme:

“I really have just one main resolution for the new year – no compromising,” said Shields in a press release. “That goes for both my personal and professional life. I also want to get closer to God and stay undefeated. I was going to say stop cursing also, but that’s just not happening.”

Fighting for the vacant WBC and WBO Light Middleweight Titles, this fight was meant to take place on October 5th in Shields’ home of Flint, Michigan. It ended up being cancelled following Habazin’s (20-3) trainer being attacked at the weigh-ins. Some have stated it was Claressa’s team who did it, while others point out a fan in the crowd. It turned into an ugly situation that was a regression for the careers of both women.

Despite the cancellation, Shields was focused in making this fight happen. She made weight and was ready to tear the house down. Shields’ determination and goal remains the same, a few months a part from the original bout.

“I made 154 pounds back in October before the cancellation,” Shields went on to say. “After our fight was cancelled, I stayed active and only put on about 10 pounds. I’ve been down in Florida for the last six or seven weeks. It’s been hard work. I’ve pushed myself and I’m not taking Habazin lightly. I want the knockout because Ivana talks too much. I’m staying focused on being focused, and not letting anyone throw me off by talking nonsense.”

Never one to back down when it comes to trash-talking, Shields believes every word she says. She considers it the truth, as many fighters are afraid to have a little personality or take risks. To Shields, Habazin’s words mean nothing to her. She is just another victim waiting to get those hands.

As far as her prediction for the fight, she has another resolution: a quick beatdown.

“I’m going to knock her out,” Shields stated. “I’m going to put down a whole different beat down on her because of the level of disrespect she has shown me. I’m not going to let her be disrespectful towards me and I’m going to knock her out to shut her up.”