Exclusive: Christina Hammer Talks 2018 Fight With Claressa Shields Being Delayed: I Was Very Disappointed
When it was announced that Claressa Shields and Christina Hammer were going to fight last November to crown the next undisputed world champion, many fans rejoiced over seeing such a historic fight until the fight came crashing down and was delayed for April.
The reason for the fight not taking place last year is due to a medical issue Hammer had that prevented from competing for several months. With the fight being postponed and Hammer on the sidelines, the WBC stripped her of the middleweight title with Shields winning it last year.
In a recent conference call Fightful participated in, Hammer was asked about her feelings at the time of the fight being postponed. Hammer was obviously not happy with having to wait a while longer for her highly-anticipated showdown with Shields, but she’s fully healthy and ready to fight for the undisputed title.
“It was very disappointing for me. I went to the doctor and he told me I can’t fight in November. But everything happens for a reason and I am stronger now, I feel better and if everything goes in the right direction. Now the time has come and we’re ready for the fight and I’m ready to be the undisputed champion,” Hammer told Fightful.
Hammer later said this was the biggest fight of her career due to the stakes involved. It’s rare for boxing to have superfights that would crown an undisputed champion and Hammer wants to do everything possible on April 13 to walk out with all of the division’s top titles.
“I think this is the biggest fight of my career because I’ve been looking forward for a long time to unify all these belts and I think it’s every boxer’s dream is to unify all these belts. I worked hard in the past and I’ve prepared for everything. In this fight, I’m focused 110 percent. The people want to see this fight,” Hammer said.
Shields vs. Hammer is scheduled to headline a Showtime-televised card from Atlantic City, New Jersey on April 13. The winner of the fight walks away with the undisputed WBA, WBC, WBO, IBF and Ring Magazine middleweight titles.
