Claressa Shields to defend titles January 12 on Showtime

Two-time Olympic gold medalist and current WBC and IBF super middleweight titleholder Claressa Shields will return to the ring on January 12, when she makes her first pro title defense on Showtime.

Shields (4-0, 2 KO) will be defending against Tori Nelson (17-0-3, 2 KO) at Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York. The fight will be the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation.

Shields, 22, won the belts on August 4 on Showtime, dominating Nikki Adler en route to a fifth round stoppage.

“I’m truly excited to have the chance to demonstrate my skills against an opponent the caliber of Tori Nelson,” Shields said. “I’m honored to be headlining the first ShoBox of 2018, and I know January 12 will be a great night for the fans. This will be the beginning of a historic year for me and for women’s boxing.”

Nelson, 41, is a seven-year pro veteran from Ashburn, Virginia.

“Ever since Claressa turned pro, I have wanted this fight,” Nelson said. “She’s young and talented, but my experience will make the difference. Since I became a boxer, I have dreamed of being in big fights on television. I am confident that I will win this fight and remain undefeated. And I plan to retire as an undefeated world champion.”

No undercard fights have been announced for the show as of now.