Claressa Shields vs. Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse predictions: Picking the winners

Claressa Shields has not competed in boxing since defeating Maricela Cornejo via unanimous decision over a year ago. While she took a mixed martial arts bout in that span - defeating Kelsey DeSantis via split decision at PFL vs. Bellator - she is set to make her highly-anticipated return to the boxing ring this weekend.

The two-division undisputed champion is set to move up multiple weight classes to challenge Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse for the WBC women's heavyweight title. Take a look at the predictions for the card below.

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Claressa Shields vs. Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse predictions

Claressa Shields vs. Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse

Claressa Shields will face Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse in the main event as she looks to make the jump from middleweight to heavyweight. She will look to continue building her brilliant combat sports resume, which includes two Olympic gold medals in boxing and a 14-0 record with two knockouts in her professional boxing career.

Lepage-Joanisse holds a professional record of seven wins and one loss. She has two knockout victories while suffering one loss via knockout. While Shields will face a tough test jumping multiple weight classes, she should be up for the challenge.

Prediction: Claressa Shields

Michel Rivera vs. LaVonte Earley

Michel Rivera will face LaVonte Earley in a super lightweight bout. The former holds a professional boxing record of 25 wins and one loss. He has 14 victories via knockout and has never suffered a knockout loss. Meanwhile, the latter is 16-0 with ten wins via knockout. Look for Earley to pass the toughest test of his career.

Prediction: LaVonte Early

Shohjahon Ergashev vs. Julian Smith

Shohjahon Ergashev and Julian Smith will also clash in a super lightweight bout. The former is 24-1 with 21 of his victories coming via knockout. His only career loss also came by way of knockout. The latter has a professional boxing record of eight wins and two losses with five knockout victories. He has never been knocked out in his career. Ergashev's experience should be able to shine when they clash.

Prediction: Shohjahon Ergashev

Cameron Pankey vs. Shaileik Paisley

Cameron Pankey and Shaileik Paisley will share the ring in a featherweight bout. Pankey has a professional boxing record of 9-1 with four knockouts. His only career loss came via decision. Paisley is just 4-4 in his young career, however, he has knocked out three opponents and has never been finished. Despite this, he is prone to getting outboxed.

Prediction: Cameran Pankey

Gordie Russ II vs. Josiah Shackleford

Gordie Russ II will face Josiah Shackleford in a light middleweight clash. The former has six wins - all coming via knockout - and one loss - coming via decision - in his professional boxing career. The latter is just 3-2, and - while he has knocked out two opponents - he has also suffered a knockout loss. Look for Russ II to display his knockout power en route to victory.

Prediction: Gordie Russ II

Rest of the predictions for the Claressa Shields vs. Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse undercard

Husam Al Mashhadi vs. Bruno Leonardo Romay, light middleweight

Ernesto Mercado vs. Hector Edgardo Sarmiento, super lightweight

Jaquan McElroy vs. Travis Floyd, welterweight

Samantha Worthington vs. Edina Kiss, super lightweight

Danielle Perkins vs. Christianne Fahey, heavyweight