The Fight We Have All Been Waiting For (Hammer vs. Shields) Pushed Back to 2019

Graphic by Jeffery Finney, Catch N Shoot Media

Earlier today, word started leaking out that WBC and WBO Middleweight Champion Christina “Lady” Hammer was ruled out of her November 17th unification bout with WBA and IBF Champion Claressa Shields.

Hammer (23-0, 10 KOs) vs. Shields (6-0, 2 KOs) has been anticipated since Salita Promotions signed Hammer to a multi-fight contract late in 2017. Their matchup has made waves of excitement around the globe.

The news come over social media this morning of an unknown ailment, not injury, that is hampering Hammer from participating in training for an extended period of of time, pushing the unification matchup back to a potential March date.

Shields tweeted:

Very, very, very disappointed. I’ll let my team do the announcement! But what I will say is… I want this fight 100%. I am not the one sick. Idk the ins and outs of Hammers condition, but she can’t box til March the doctor says. I’m still going to fight the 17th of Nov 😟

— ClaressaT-rexShields (@Claressashields) October 1, 2018

Hammer finally posted an announcement on Instagram:

View this post on Instagram

Dear Hammer Fans 🙏🏼, I have problems with my health I try my best as a CHAMP to train hard for this special Fight but I feel bad , my doctor doesn’t allows me to fight and no hard training for a few more months, it’s really sad now but this fight will come!!! I promise you that all fans will get this Hammer Fight🙌🏼 ✊🏻🔨I step into the Ring when I’m 💯 % health, I will WIN !! thanks to my family& coach who takes care of me ❤️❤️ thanks @wbcboxing @worldboxingorg @capocounselor 👈🏼 Do my best to get fast health 🙏🏼🙏🏼l’ll be back stronger 🙌🏼💪🏼thank you 🙏🏼 ❤️❤️😘 #onlyonelife #health #champ #strongwoman #power #believeinyourself #family #thanksforsupport #hammerfight #shithappens #staystrong

A post shared by C H R I S T I N A H A M M E R (@ladyhammer_official) on Oct 1, 2018 at 4:34pm PDT

Shields is keeping to a plan of competing on November 17th with an opponent to be determined.

Hammer has been a Middleweight champion since 2010, before Shields won the first of her two Olympic Gold medals (2012 and 2016). Now, the destined-to-clash Superstars just need to wait a little bit longer.

Jay Kemp, #NextGenChamp

Northwest Chicago Suburb native that has an aptitude for development of sports. Sports is my life, from youth to professional levels. I make things happen! I AM GOLDEN! Sports BIZness specialties include marketable presentation, public relations, sponsorship acquisition and retention, up-to-date marketing strategies, charitable projects and how they translate into positive public image. In addition to boxing, I am a nationally certified coach in the sports of lacrosse, soccer, and wrestling, with ties to many other sports. Telephone: 224-627-3777