Journalist Sean Zittel believes the 29-year-old southpaw may present Shields with a test she rarely encounters.
“Tammara Thibeault would be the best opponent & biggest threat Claressa Shields has had since Savannah Marshall…possibly ever. She’s only 5 fights in, but she’s a very sharp southpaw & carries power. That’s a great matchup at 160,” said Zittel on X.
That is a bold projection for a fighter with only 50 professional rounds, but Thibeault isn’t developing from the usual starting point. She built an extensive amateur background, competed in two Olympic Games, and captured a world amateur gold medal before turning professional.
At six feet, Thibeault is a natural middleweight with the size, southpaw stance, and technical ability to give Shields a different type of challenge. She also has the experience to remain composed against the speed and rapid combinations Shields uses to take control of fights.
A fight between the two isn’t immediate. When questioned about Shields after beating Robinson, Thibeault declined to issue a callout.
“What’s next for me is to go home, be with my animals, be with my other half,” Thibeault said. “I think I’m going to get some rest, and I’m going to evaluate and see what’s next for me.”
Thibeault doesn’t need to hurry. Holding two major belts gives her room to gain professional experience before facing the biggest test available at middleweight.
Five fights into her career, however, Thibeault is already good enough for a potential Shields fight to be taken seriously.
