Junkie Drawer: Claressa Shields to face new opponent; Usyk-Dubois targeted for Aug. 12
Editor’s note: This new version of Junkie Drawer is a vehicle to report news items in bite sized portions.
Middleweight titleholder Claressa Shields has a new opponent for the defense of her WBA, WBC and WBO belts on June 3 in Detroit (DAZN).
Her original opponent, Hanna Gabriels, was removed from the card after testing positive for the banned steroid clostebol earlier this month, according to a news release.
Gabriels was replaced by Maricela Cornejo, who is ranked No. 1 by the WBO.
Cornejo (16-5, 6 KOs) is a 36-year-old Los Angeles-based fighter who has lost decisions in three title challenges, once against 160-pounder Kali Reis and twice to 168-pounder Franchon Crews Dezurn.
Shields (13-0, 2 KOs) is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Savannah Marshall in October.
“I told my team to get me the best,” Shields said in a press release. “Cornejo is a tall, tough Mexican full of pride who’s in great shape and wants to beat me. She’s ranked No. 1. That’s exactly what I want for my Detroit homecoming and my fans around the world. I’m looking forward to a great performance on June 3.
Gabriels’ promoter blamed on the positive test on medication applied to her dog. …
Usyk vs. Dubois
The promoter of heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk told FightFreaks that he will defend against Daniel Dubois on Aug. 12 at the 45,000-seat Wroclaw Stadium in Wroclaw, Poland.
K2 Promotions won the WBA purse bid to stage the fight. It’s bidding form also included Aug. 5 as a possible date and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and Manchester, England as potential sites.
Usyk (20-0, 13 KOs) was expected to face Tyson Fury for the undisputed championship on April 29 but talks fell apart.
Dubois (19-1, 18 KOs) has won four consecutive fights since he was stopped by Joe Joyce in November 2020. …
Garcia vs. Roach
Junior lightweight titleholder Hector Luis Garcia (16-1, 10 KOs) will defend his belt against mandatory challenger Lamont Roach (23-1-1, 9 KOs) this summer, according to FightFreaks.
The fight is expected to take place in Las Vegas.