Comments Thread For: Salita: Braekhus 'Definitely Not Interested' In Fighting Claressa Shields

[Citizen Koba]

Why wouldnt you fault her? It would be a big fight for women's boxing and Shields would be willing to get down as close as possible to 147 in order to make it happen.

I'll praise a fighter for attempting the exceptional but I won't fault 'em for not doing so. Far as I'm concerned no fighter should be obligated in any way to fight someone from a higher division or criticised for not doing so. This is a dangerous sport man and the weighclasses are there for a reason.

Don't get me wrong I think it would show an amazing desire to excel if Cecelia would take this fight, but she's already achieved more than any other female fighter in history and is 38 years old. I never criticised Floyd for not taking on say GGG instead of Berto when he was 38 years old neither would I have expected him to... far as I'm concerned any elite fighter still boxing and winning at that age has the right to do as they damn please.

Cecilia's already proved hereself many times over, though I fully understand your desire as a fan of Shields to see some passing of the torch or whatever and your frustration that she may never get the chance. It's a story as old as boxing.

Besides, regrdless of what the reality of the situation is on the ground what we've got here is Salita just doing his job as a promoter. This is exactly the kinda thing he should be saying whether in a genuine attempt to make the fight or in an effort to show that such an effort has been made. Even from what he's said though it doesn't appear he's claiming an actual offer has been made or rebuffed. I think it's always worth hearing from both parties before making any kinda judgement.

[VatoMulatto]

Braekhus would probably take a beat down because of the size difference. A young hungry fighter who's naturally two weight classes bigger, that won't be easy. Would love to see it but can't blame Braekhus who's pushing 40 if she's not interested.

Braekhus is talented and good looking.....

[Rapscallion]

Near the end of his career, Muhammad Ali had little success in fighting younger opponents: Spinks, Holmes, and Berbick. Ali was 12.5 years older than Berbick, six years and ten months older than Holmes, and 11.5 years older than Spinks - this despite being heavier than each one of them and taller than two of them. Now I happen to believe that Larry Holmes would have defeated Ali prime to prime; however, prime to prime Ali beats Spinks and Berbick. So why did Ali lose to both Spinks and Berbick? Maybe father time had taken his toll. Yet you say that 38.5 year old Cecilia Braekhus should fight 25 year old much larger Claressa Shields? I say have Claressa Shields fight Canelo Alvarez. He's only 29.

[BoxingJunkie]

Cecilia is nearing 40 so this is the best fight for her on her way out. If Claressa becomes the undisputed champ at 154, it only makes since for Cecilia to move up one weight class and challenge for all the titles at 154. That would make Cecilia the undisputed champ in two weight classes at the same time!

Don't get me wrong, I don't favor Cecilia to win but it would be worth the challenge and money! Then she can retire win, lose or draw.

[Dasmius Shinobi]

Cecilia Braekhus, The First Lady have spoken.

This is a fight that is interesting to make, but is too soon to jump to conclusion. I want Cecilia Braekhus side version of the story. I know she said that she not going to move down or up. If this is a duck, Cecilia have the right, have nothing to prove and make all the accomplishment necessary. If she accept this fight as a payday, not reason to talk negatively about her.

[Boxingkeen]

Salita ran out of opponents for his fighter, he’s not going to be able to convince Cecilia to move up in weight. He’s the absolute worst promoter.

[The D3vil]

Yeah, I don't blame Cecilia for not wanting the fight at her advanced age, but it does look bad.

[elfag]

shes almost 39 and a lot smaller. I wouldnt fight that ***ing caveman shields either.

[cwhitted@gm1]

I think breakus best shot is with Katie taylor.......she really don't wanna go there with shields. Neither does laila ali... Talking loud and saying nuffin. Ali just out there making a lot of noise and not seriously thinking bout a comeback. It's been 12 yrs since she fought.

[j0zef]

39 year old WW doesn't want to fight a 25 year old MW? Is this a surprise? You need to be a complete imbecile to actually want this fight.