Claressa Shields trains ahead of her title defence against Ema Kozin
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Claressa Shields makes her UK debut this evening as she defends her unified middleweight titles against Ema Kozin.
American Shields is considered by many to be one of the best female boxers in the world, but she may face a stern test at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff tonight as she takes on a fellow undefeated fighter in Slovenia’s Kozin. Shields is 11-0 with two knockout wins to her name, while Kozin’s professional record reads 21-0-1 (11 KOs).
Shields last competed in the boxing ring in March, when she outpointed Marie-Eve Dicaire. Since then, the 26-year-old has twice competed in mixed martial arts, winning her debut via TKO after a valiant performance before losing her second fight via split decision. Meanwhile, Kozin’s last bout came against Radana Knezevic in May. Southpaw Kozin stopped her opponent early in the second round.
Shields vs Kozin will take place on the undercard of Chris Eubank Jr’s middleweight clash against Welshman Liam Williams, who will have the home crowd fully behind him. Follow live updates and results from the entire card tonight, below.
Eubank Jr vs Williams
As expected, Wallin gets the nod on the judges’ scorecards, but this was a missed opportunity for a real statement win.
Alex Pattle5 February 2022 19:26
Eubank Jr vs Williams
Wallin vs Sokolowski – Round 8
Final round. Wallin keeps active with his jab, but Sokolowski lands a decent left hook then a firm right straight.
Sokolowski is warned for leading with his head as we see another clash. The action soon resumes and he presses forward at once.
The final bell sounds, and we’ll go to the judges’ scorecards…
Alex Pattle5 February 2022 19:21
Eubank Jr vs Williams
Wallin vs Sokolowski – Round 7
Good left uppercut from Wallin, but Sokolowski fires back with a few punches to the delight of his corner.
While Wallin hasn’t been particularly explosive, he’s probably doing enough to take a decision win. Now is the time for Sokolowski to push just a bit harder…
Alex Pattle5 February 2022 19:17
Eubank Jr vs Williams
Wallin vs Sokolowski – Round 6
There have been a couple of clashes of heads – nothing too serious thankfully – and Wallin complains about Sokolowski entering the exchanges in a dangerous manner.
Alex Pattle5 February 2022 19:12
Eubank Jr vs Williams
Wallin vs Sokolowski – Round 5
Wallin is seemingly content to just get some ring time and isn’t pushing for a finish in any way.
A fair bit of grappling between the Swede and Sokolowski in this round.
Wallin gets a nice left hand in from close range.
Alex Pattle5 February 2022 19:08
Eubank Jr vs Williams
Wallin vs Sokolowski – Round 4
Sokolowski ducks under a feint and grabs Wallin’s legs… The referee separates the fighters, who then trade shots in close.
A couple of wild swings from Sokolowski, and Wallin evades with ease. He then comes forward with a series of jabs, trying to pick his moment for a bigger punch.
Sokolowski is backed up to the ropes and tries to reassert himself with a barrage of punches, but again Wallin is largely untroubled.
Alex Pattle5 February 2022 19:04
Eubank Jr vs Williams
Wallin vs Sokolowski – Round 3
Again Wallin looks to set the pace. His hands are high to block jabs from Sokolowski, who circles to his left before firing off hooks – again alternating between the head and body.
A jab splits Sokolowski’s guard. He tries to retaliate with an overhand right, but just misses. Even so, he’s landing the better shots in this round.
A heavy left hook to the body by Wallin, though.
Alex Pattle5 February 2022 19:01
Eubank Jr vs Williams
Wallin vs Sokolowski – Round 2
Wallin takes the centre of the ring immediately, the southpaw now much more active with his jab. He grazes the top of Sokolowski’s head with a hook, before the opponents clinch.
Sokolowski comes forward with hooks off both sides – a left to the head then a right to the body – and Wallin covers up as best as possible.
Wallin marches forward, and both men snap each other’s heads back with swift, straight punches.
Alex Pattle5 February 2022 18:57
Eubank Jr vs Williams
Wallin vs Sokolowski – Round 1
Both men are gauging range early on by flicking out their lead hands, but without throwing many actual jabs.
Sokolowski now targets the body with a jab and a right straight, just about making contact on each occasion.
He connects with another right straight to the torso of Wallin, who is staying patient early on – though he now tries for a counter left hook, and misses.
Alex Pattle5 February 2022 18:53
Eubank Jr vs Williams
Next up, heavyweight action!
Kamil Sokolowski takes on Sweden’s Otto Wallin, whom you may know as a former opponent of Tyson Fury.
Alex Pattle5 February 2022 18:49