While Thibeault lacks Shields’ appetite for verbal warfare, she remains absolutely resolute about her desire to step into the ring with her.
“Without a doubt, this is a matchup I’m eager for. The responsibility falls on MVP to arrange it. Let me make myself perfectly clear: simply because I choose not to boast loudly or verbally provoke opponents, that does not mean I am backing away from this test,” Thibeault remarked to Sky Sports.
Any concerns regarding weight have been put to rest. Shields disclosed that her prior training camp commenced with her weighing 198 pounds, requiring her to shed 38 pounds in the span of 14 weeks to hit the middleweight mark. Though it was a grueling ordeal, she demonstrated that hitting 160 pounds is entirely feasible when she is fully dedicated.
Facing Thibeault presents a significantly greater reward than defending against Scott. Following her August 8 victory over Desley Robinson, Thibeault now holds the IBF, WBO, and Ring belts, which positions Shields just a single triumph away from securing undisputed status at middleweight for the third time in her career.
The critique Shields leveled at Thibeault’s brief five-fight resume carries less weight when contrasted with her most recent opponent. Scott was 42 years of age and had only competed in seven pro bouts when she entered the ring. Conversely, the 29-year-old Thibeault boasts two Olympic appearances alongside a gold medal from the 2022 World Championships.
A mere five professional fights leave several physical dynamics untested. Standing at six feet tall, the southpaw Thibeault relies on a right jab to manage the gap before unloading straight lefts. With a notable height advantage, she will compel Shields to find a way inside without letting the taller titleholder command the tempo of the fight.
Ring experience continues to be Shields’ primary strength. Having claimed undisputed honors in several weight classes, she has spent the majority of her professional life under the intense scrutiny of title fights. While Thibeault’s extensive amateur career cannot fully replicate that high-stakes exposure, it ensures she is far more polished than her short professional record implies.
The upcoming 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles impose a strict timeline on organizing this matchup. Thibeault intends to compete for Canada for a third time, an endeavor demanding amateur tournaments and training blocks that could clash with her commitments in the professional ranks.
While delaying the fight might allow Thibeault to build more recognition and professional experience, it also hazards missing out on a perfectly timed opportunity. Since both fighters have openly expressed their desire to clash, MVP and Salita Promotions have all the incentive they need to initiate formal talks.
