Claressa Shields has been warned that her ‘reputation’ will count for nothing when she takes on Emma Kozin on her UK debut.
Shields’ IBF, WBA and WBC Middleweight Championships will go live on February 5 in Cardiff, on Sky Sports, on the Chris Eubanks Jr. vs. Liam Williams undercard.
“This victory will be historic for me and my country,” said Slovenian Kozin.
“Claresa definitely has a good reputation and is one of the greatest boxers in the world, but I don’t feel any pressure to be who she is.
“I see it as a big opportunity and not some sort of burden.”
Claressa Shields will make her UK debut
Kozin, 23, rose through the ranks by securing a 10-round unanimous decision victory over former world title challengers Maria Lindbergh and Chris Namas. Most recently, Kozin blocked Radana Nzevic in round two in May 2021 as she looked forward to that showdown with Shields.
“I’ve been preparing specifically for this fight for over six months and I’ve made a lot of progress as a fighter,” Kozin said.
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Savannah Marshall says a unification fight against Claressa Shields will be the biggest fight in women’s boxing
“I feel ready, excited and eager to show everything I’ve learned in this ring.”
The famed American Shields, who has won two Olympic gold medals, world titles in three divisions and undisputed titles in two divisions, knows that a dream matchup with Savannah Marshall awaits him this year if he can get rid of Kozin.
Emma Kozin aims for big uproar
“Boxing fans can expect a good fight,” Kozin said.
“I’m going to go out there and make it interesting for everyone who sees it. I’m going to give it my all like I always do and show the world what a tough fighter I am.”
sky sports boxing schedule
Sunday, January 30 in Tulsi
Robson Conceicao vs. Javier Martinez – WBC Super Featherweight Title Eliminator
nico ali walshow
Saturday 5 February in Cardiff
Chris Eubanks Jr. Opposes Liam Williams
Claressa Shields vs Emma Kozin – IBF, WBA & WBC Middleweight Titles
Saturday February 19 in Manchester
Aamir Khan against Klay Brook
Fraser Clarke’s professional debut
Saturday 26 February in Glasgow
Josh Taylor vs. Jack Cattrall – Undisputed Welterweight Title
Nick Campbell vs. Jay MacFarlane – Scottish Heavyweight Title
Saturday, March 5 in Fresno
Jose Ramirez vs Jose Pedraza
Sunday March 20 in New York
Edgar Berlanga vs Steve Rolls
Keishon Davis
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