Community reception to honor Claressa Shields and her bid to make boxing history

FLINT, Michigan — Claressa Shields shows her love of Flint and her faith by doing more than just speaking out — she shows up. 

On Saturday Oct. 5, Shields takes to the ring in a bid to become the fastest boxer, male or female, to win three world titles in three different divisions. The fight is right here in Flint at the Dort Federal Event Center. 

On Sunday, win or lose, you’ll know where to find her — at Joy Tabernacle Church. She will be at Sunday Service at 11:30 a.m. and the church will also host a reception in her honor immediately following. The community is invited to attend.

Joy Tabernacle and Shields formed an alliance this summer, launching the Claressa Shields Community Project and a summer bootcamp to serve Flint children in conjunction with the church’s Urban Renaissance Center. It was Shields’ first official investment in her hometown. 

Shields takes on Ivana Habazin at 6 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are available from Ticketmaster.

Shields is a Flint native and the undisputed world boxing champion. She rose to worldwide prominence after winning back-to-back Olympic gold medals in women’s boxing and is also an occasional Sports Illustrated model. 

She also spoke earlier this summer at Joy Tabernacle, sharing her own personal faith journey.