Christina Hammer has heard all the hype surrounding Claressa Shields.
And that’s why she is so excited to face off against Shields Saturday night on Showtime for the undisputed female middleweight championship. The bout takes place from the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.
“I’m so happy to be here and have this great opportunity. I can’t wait to get in the ring on Saturday and get all of these belts. I’m ready,” Hammer said. “I’m very confident and I can’t wait to show everyone why I’m 24-0 and been a champion for as long as I’ve been. She can say whatever she wants here, because I’m going to show it in the ring. I don’t like to talk too much. I’m here to show my skills in the ring and get all these belts.
“I’m emotionless in the ring, because it’s my job. None of her talk will affect me. When you’re emotional in the ring, you make mistakes.”
Hammer will be putting her WBO title on the line vs. Shields, who is the WBA, WBC and IBF champion. The Ring belt will also be awarded to the winner, with that fighter also claiming the lineal title.
“I know that it’s a risk to come from Germany to the U.S. to fight Shields. But I have done everything to bring it to her and break her down round-by-round. I want to show the people who the real champion is. A real champion fights everyone, all over the world,” she said. “I’m very focused. I know that this is a historic fight. There is only one champion who can take these belts and that will be me. I’ve given everything for that goal. I sacrificed day after day in camp to achieve that.”
Hammer is coming off a second round finish vs. Elene Sikmashvili, along with five title defenses since winning the belts in 2014.
“I want to show that I’m the undisputed champion. I’m the longtime champion and I’m going to let the people see that women’s boxing is exciting just like the men. This is a great match to show that,” Hammer said. “We’re both undefeated and in our primes. People wanted to see this fight and they got this fight. All of the talk is over. Now it’s time to fight.”