“DREAM” SHIELDS TO THE “FORE/FOUR” AGAINST ADLER

Stars of   “ShoBox: The New Generation” card, WBC super middleweight champion, German Nikki Adler, and two-time Olympic gold medalist and WBC Silver Champion, American Claressa Shields, were face to face during the last press conference prior to their Friday clash.

Shields (3-0, 1 KO) will face Adler (16-0, 9 KOs) in just her fourth professional fight at the MGM Grand in Detroit, Mich. Live on SHOWTIME (10:30 pm ET / PT).

This is what the fighters had to say:

NIKKI ADLER:

“I prepared myself for this fight as for any other fight. I have not seen any tape of Claressa’s fights. I do not usually do that, It is job of my trainers to design the fight plan.”

This is my first time fighting in the United States, so I’m very excited. Detroit is a beautiful city and everyone has been very kind to me.”

“I came here to win and to return to Germany with my title. This is a great opportunity for women’s boxing to show its greatness to the world, through SHOWTIME. We really appreciate their support.”

CLARESSA SHIELDS:

“This is a dream come true for me. I’m a dream fighter. I’ve been thinking a lot about facing Nikki Adler since I was 17. I looked up and saw that she is number one, so she is definitely the fighter I wanted to face.”

“I know the fight can go all 10 rounds. But that’s why I’ve prepared the best I could in the gym for this fight.

“This is only the first WBC title for me. I want to go down to 160 and win that title, then go down to 154 and conquer that belt. I know it’s just my fourth fight and it has come fast but I am on the fast track To become a great world champion. ”

“She knows she can not beat me. They ask her how she’s going to beat me and she says she has the will. Anyone who`s seen my fights knows that I have more heart than anyone else, so I hope she comes well prepared.”

DMITRIY SALITA, Founder of Salita Promotions and promoter of the card commented:

“Claressa’s consistent success at a world-class level, winning two Olympic gold medals and numerous other international amateur tournaments, has no comparison. This is a significant step. Claressa’s skills, trust and dedication, will bring her to offer a sensational performance. Her goals of winning numerous world titles in different divisions, shows that she is on her way to becoming the best pound-for-pound fighter. ”

As ShoBox’s undercard, Vladimir Tikhonov (15-0, 9 KOs) of Russia will face Texan Jesse Angel Hernandez (8-1, 6 KOs) in an eight-round bout.