“She solely had that many fights within the professionals, however she obtained belts,” Shields mentioned throughout her post-fight interview. “It’s not my fault this woman don’t have the expertise that I’ve. However hey, she obtained a belt that I do know belongs to me, and that’s The Ring belt.”
It’s an uncommon criticism contemplating the fighter Shields simply beat. Scott entered Saturday’s bout with a 5-1-1 report, which means she had solely seven skilled fights herself. At 42, she was additionally eleven years older than Shields and had by no means confronted anybody remotely similar to the two-time Olympic gold medalist.
Thibeault’s skilled report could also be quick, however she is just not a novice. The Canadian captured gold on the 2022 World Championships, represented Canada at two Olympic Video games, and constructed an in depth worldwide novice background earlier than turning skilled. At 29, she is far nearer to her bodily prime than the veterans Shields has confronted not too long ago.
That pedigree makes Thibeault a compelling rival slightly than somebody whose transient skilled report ought to mechanically depend in opposition to her.
Shields has spent years working at a stage few girls can match, making credible challengers more and more tough to search out. Her final 4 opponents have been 42, 38, 39 and 42 years outdated. Thibeault breaks that sample.
There may be additionally significant {hardware} on the road. Shields captured Scott’s WBA and WBC middleweight titles Saturday, whereas Thibeault holds the IBF, WBO and Ring Journal titles that Shields clearly believes belong in her assortment.
If Shields considers herself the division’s rightful No. 1, combating Thibeault provides her the chance to show it and gather the remaining championships.
Skilled expertise shouldn’t be a severe barrier. Scott had even much less of it, but that didn’t stop her from getting the Shields battle.
Thibeault possesses the elite novice basis, youth, and unified titles to advantage the chance. If seven skilled fights have been sufficient for Scott, Thibeault’s skilled expertise is a tough motive to query her.
