Claressa Shields has recently spent time at Floyd Mayweather’s gym in Las Vegas as she prepares for her British debut against Ema Kozin. Shields will defend her world titles against Kozin in Cardiff this weekend as she looks to secure a huge fight against Savannah Marshall later this year.
Marshall remains the only person to have ever defeated Shields inside a boxing ring and the rivalry between the pair has intensified in recent times. Ahead of her belt defence on Saturday night, the Michigan fighter has been putting the finishing touches to her training camp and that included sessions at Mayweather's famous boxing club. The two-time Olympic gold medallist valued her time there.
"Floyd told me I was going in the right direction,” said Shields when speaking to Sky Sports.
"Not a lot of US fans get to have the experience of going to see what fans in the UK are like. He told me a lot about his experience fighting Ricky Hatton. We talked a lot about my skills, but also about the difference between amateurs and pros. In the pros you really have to stay calm and take your time. Even in two-minute rounds, he was telling me to slow down and really see those shots coming.
"The opportunity with Mayweather just kind of presented itself. Floyd heard I was coming, and he opened his gym to me and my team. It was great to see him spar and be in his presence. It was great to talk to him too and really see what he's like. It's great to hear that he's a huge fan of me and that him and his kids like to watch my fights. It was a great experience overall."