Claressa Shields is the Fighter of the Year  – World Boxing Association

The American Claressa Shields was elected Best Female Fighter of the Year by the World Boxing Association (WBA) and the Honorable Mention went to Katie Taylor.

In a year in which women’s boxing experienced great moments, Shields was one of the protagonists and managed to close the 2022 as undisputed middleweight champion. 

The 27-year-old fighter began 2022 with a victory over undefeated Ema Kozin in February. With that challenge behind her, she followed that up with a showdown against Savannah Marshall in October to become the undisputed women’s bantamweight champion. 

Shields not only won the bout but did so with a masterful performance and in a matchup that was very important to her because of the rivalry and history she had with Marshall.

Taylor also had a great year defending her undisputed lightweight title against Amanda Serrano on April 30 in what was the Fight of the Year. The Irishwoman had another great night at Madison Square Garden to deliver one of the best episodes in the history of women’s boxing. She also returned to the ring in October to beat Karen Carabajal and keep the crown in her possession. 

The WBA congratulates Shields for being the most outstanding of the year and also Taylor for the merit she had during 2022.