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Claressa Shields Gets the Ultimate Co-Sign as ‘GWOAT’: “I’m in

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Claressa Shields

Claressa Shields Gets the Ultimate Co-Sign as ‘GWOAT’: “I’m in Her Corner,” Declares a Boxing Great — Sugar Ray Leonard

Claressa Shields: Legendary boxer Sugar Ray Leonard has given the cosign to boxing champion Claressa Shields in a recent interview, saying he is “in her corner,” as women’s boxing has risen in recent years.

In a recent interview with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, the former fighter, who fought in various divisions throughout his career, spoke about women’s boxing and its direction.
“You know what, there is so much talent out there right now, period. Naturally, I’m a major boxing fan, but you have to look at it for what it is. Can the business be helped? Yes. Everything needs support at some point, whether it’s a business or a passion. I love boxing, so I’m in her corner—how about that?”

The boxer did admit that, although he had heard about Shields’ boxing skills, he had yet to see her fight live, but he plans to do so.

“I haven’t seen her live yet, but I certainly will now. It’s been brought to my attention again, and I really like what I see.”

READ MORE : An Unusual Stage as Claressa Shields Confronts

Leonard, who boxed from 1977 to 1997, won championship belts in five different weight classes in his career. He began his professional career after winning a gold medal for the United States in the lightweight division at the 1976 Olympics. The talented athlete kept gaining weight, competing in the welterweight division before moving up to light middleweight, middleweight, super middleweight, and finally light heavyweight. His record was 25-3, with one draw.

Claressa Shields

He fought during the height of non-heavyweight popularity in the 1980s. He was part of four of the best boxers during that time period, including Roberto Duran, Marvin Hagler, and Tommy Hearns.

The four boxers were dubbed the “Four Kings” and had the boxing world excited as they fought each other. Leonard was the only one to defeat the others after beating Hagler in a controversial bout that ended in a split decision, which effectively ended Hagler’s career in 1987.
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An Unusual Stage as Claressa Shields Confronts

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Claressa Shields

An Unusual Stage as Claressa Shields Confronts Franchón Crews-Dezurn at Unexpected Detroit Auto Show Press Event

Claressa Shields Turns Detroit Auto Show Into Fight Night Ahead of Crews-Dezurn ClashThe Detroit Auto Show was supposed to be about horsepower and high-performance engineering on Friday. Instead, it became the stage for raw tension, sharp words, and unfinished business in women’s boxing.

Undisputed women’s heavyweight champion Claressa Shields took center stage for a pre-fight press conference alongside longtime rival Franchón Crews-Dezurn, transforming the normally polished auto showcase into an arena charged with competitive edge and anticipation.

For Shields, Detroit isn’t just another stop on the promotional tour — it’s home. And standing in front of cameras and fans in her own city, the two-division undisputed champion looked every bit the fighter who has built a career on defying expectations and silencing doubters. Calm but unmistakably intense, Shields made it clear she sees the upcoming bout as more than another title defense.

READ MORE :$8M Deal: Claressa Shields Poised to Open $8M Deal as

Across from her stood Crews-Dezurn, a former unified champion herself, refusing to play the role of supporting act. Confident and composed, Crews-Dezurn pushed back at the narrative that Shields’ dominance is a foregone conclusion, reminding everyone that experience, grit, and timing can still rewrite history inside the ring.

The choice of venue only added to the symbolism. Surrounded by cutting-edge machines built for speed and power, the faceoff felt deliberate — a reminder that this fight, like the cars on display, is about precision, durability, and who can perform when the pressure peaks.

Claressa Shields

While neither fighter crossed the line into outright theatrics, the tension was unmistakable. Short answers carried long implications. Glances lingered. Every exchange hinted at a rivalry that has simmered for years and now demands resolution.

As the press conference wrapped, one thing was clear: this matchup isn’t being sold on hype alone. It’s rooted in legacy, pride, and the question that has hovered over the division — whether anyone can truly disrupt Claressa Shields’ grip on the heavyweight crown.

Detroit got more than a preview on Friday. It got a warning. When Shields and Crews-Dezurn finally step into the ring, the engines will already be running — and there will be no turning back.

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$8M Deal: Claressa Shields Poised to Open $8M Deal as

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Claressa Shields

$8M Deal: Claressa Shields Poised to Open $8M Deal as Detroit Rematch With Crews-Dezurn Looms

Claressa Shields will defend her undisputed heavyweight championship in Detroit on 22 February, returning home for a rematch with Franchon Crews-Dezurn in her first fight since signing a landmark $8m promotional deal. The bout will headline a Dazn card at Little Caesars Arena, the home of the NBA’s Pistons and NHL’s Red Wings where Shields attracted a near-sellout crowd for her most recent fight last July.

Shields (17-0, 3 KO) and Crews-Dezurn (10-2, 2 KO) first met nearly a decade ago when they made their professional debuts against each other on the undercard of Andre Ward’s victory over Sergey Kovalev in 2016. Shields won a four-round unanimous decision that night in Las Vegas, a moment she still sees as formative. “I had just come off winning two Olympic gold medals, fresh out of the amateurs, and finding an opponent was tough,” she said in a press release announcing the fight. “Franchon stepped in. I’ve grown a lot since that first victory, but me and Franchon have unfinished business that needs to be settled.”

The Michigan-born star and double Olympic champion returns to action for the first time since reuniting with Salita Promotions and adding Wynn Records as a co-promotional partner. She said fighting again in her home state carries its own pressure. “Selling out Little Caesars Arena was a dream, and my fans made that come true,” she said. “Fighting in Michigan motivates me, and it also puts pressure on me because I never want to fail them.”

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Crews-Dezurn, who went on to become an undisputed champion at super-middleweight in 2022 before losing it to Britain’s Savannah Marshall, will move up to heavyweight for the rematch. She said the meeting comes at the right moment for both fighters. “I’ve been waiting and working a long time for this moment,” she said. “This time as established champions with great legacies. I’m daring to be even greater by going up in weight, strutting into hell so I can create my heaven.”

Anthony Joshua

Shields, who said she is fully healthy after what she described as injury-affected performances in recent outings, said she plans to close the rivalry decisively. “I won a unanimous decision the first time, but come February 22, I don’t have those same plans. I plan on putting Franchon Crews on her back and leaving with the KO. Franchon is elite, but I am super elite.”

Promoter Dmitriy Salita said the rematch represents both fighters’ growth since their shared debut on the Ward v Kovalev card. “Nearly a decade ago, Claressa and Franchon stepped into the ring as two Olympians making their professional debuts,” he said. “Since then, both have risen to become world champions and global forces in women’s boxing.”

Shields’ return comes months after she chose to remain with the promoter who guided her from her debut onward, finalizing a minimum-guaranteed $8m multi-fight agreement with Salita Promotions in partnership with Wynn Records. The deal followed a brief spell in which Shields explored free agency after her title defense against Lani Daniels in July.

RELATED NEWS:Boxing Great Terence Crawford Watches Proudly as His Son

She ultimately opted to stay, saying the new arrangement offered the scale and visibility she has long pushed for in women’s boxing and aligned with her broader ambitions outside the ring.

Terence Crawford

The partnership with Wynn Records – a music-focused imprint that counts several artists on its roster and marks Shields as its first athlete – is designed to blend boxing with cultural and entertainment projects. Salita called Shields “one of the defining athletes of her generation” when the pact was announced and said the collaboration aims to create opportunities that traditional promotional models do not.

Shields, who had fielded interest from multiple suitors and even pursued a high-profile, unsuccessful-to-date overture to lure Laila Ali out of retirement, said the new deal reflects her intent to continue reshaping the economics and expectations surrounding women’s boxing.

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Expert Opinions Revealed Prediction: Who Comes Out on

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Claressa shields

Expert Opinions Revealed Prediction: Who Comes Out on Top—Shields or Ali? 

The fight isn’t even official. In fact, it may never materialize. But that didn’t keep five experts from responding when asked who would win the fight between the 30-year-old Shields and the 47-year-old Ali.

Both would climb into the ring with unblemished records. Shields is 17-0 with three knockouts and Ali was 24-0 with 21 knockouts when she retired in 2007.

“Honestly, a fight with me and Laila Ali would be one of the biggest fights in women’s boxing,’’ Shields told USA TODAY Sports last month. “I think we should do it for the culture. We should do it for the boxing culture. We should do it for so many to prove who is the best.”

Laila Ali vs Claressa Shields predictions

Christy Martin: Picks Laila Ali

Was knocked out by Ali in the fourth round of their fight in 2003. Elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2020. A biopic on Martin, starring Sydney Sweeney, is scheduled to be screened in September at the Toronto International Film Festival.

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“Laila’s going to be too big, too strong, too smart,’’ Martin said. “She’s going to use her jab to set her right hand up and push Claressa back. And Shields can’t fight going backwards.

“I think that since Laila’s been probably relaxing and resting (during retirement), her body’s recovered from any damage that she had during her career. I think she’ll come back strong. She’s still under 50 and Laila’s not going to come back unless she’s 100% confident and ready to come back. And if she’s 100% ready and confident, she wins.’’

Kathy Duva: Picks Claressa Shields

A boxing promoter who is the CEO of Main Events. Elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2019.

“Laila did a lot for women’s boxing,’’ Duva said. “She’s an icon. But in her prime, in my opinion, she simply wasn’t as good as Shields is now. So now she’s 47 and hasn’t fought in 18 years.

RELATED NEWS : Gervonta Davis: There Are Common Chances of beating

“Her advantage is taller than Shields, and that’s about it. Tall isn’t much of an advantage if your opponent knows how to neutralize it. And Shields does. Add in Laila’s age and inactivity. The fight is great marketing. And I hope both women make lots of money. But it is based purely on wishful thinking and is not remotely competitive.’’

Gervonta davis

Mary Jo Sanders: Favors Shields

A retired boxer who won world titles in four divisions between 2005 and 2007. Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in June.

“Their styles are very different,’’ Sanders said. “I mean, Claressa’s a brawler and Laila is more of a boxer. I do want (Shields) to finesse more because I feel like Laila has those straighter punches that could get into Clarissa’s wider haymakers and coming in with aggression.

“But one punch, I’ve seen these girls take one punch from Claressa. They’re like, ‘Oh, she is a beast. She is strong. She’s a fricking Clydesdale.’

“But if Laila can finesse her and get her flustered and off her game, then she’s got those straight punches. So if Claressa can prepare for that and her team knows that, then it’ll be wonderful.’’

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Gloria Thornton-Peak: Picks Shields

In 2012, became the first woman coach on the U.S. Olympic boxing team and worked with Shields. She also trained retired champion boxers Andre Ward and Jermain Taylor.

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She noted the age difference between Shields and Ali.

“Carissa has power, she has speed,’’ Thornton-Peak said. “She comes at you hard and fast, and if you are not used to having those kind of punches come at you, you are going to easily be overwhelmed by it.

“I think in order to beat her, you got to be able to match that output that she has of throwing punches, and you also need to have some of the power she has.

“I think (Shields’) chances are very good because so far I have not seen anybody who could really match that output she has and throwing those fast flurry punches, that pressure. I haven’t seen anybody really be able to handle that.’’

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Johnny “Yahya” McClain III: Picks Ali

Laila Ali’s ex-husband. Was involved in training and promoting Ali between 1999 and 2005. A retired boxer who was 25-9-2 before he retired in 2010.

Terence Crawford

“The facts are the facts,’’ he said. “Laila Ali is a completely seasoned animal when it comes to fighting. Laila does not play. She hits really hard for real. Claressa has three knockouts. Laila, out of her 24 fights only allowed three people not to get knocked out. Laila hits for real, and Clarissa doesn’t.

“Laila Ali is way, way more skilled than Claressa. She comes from the science of boxing. And what did her dad use? The jab. Claressa don’t have no jab, and Clarissa got to try to come inside. Laila going to hit her with the jab all day long. Laila has fast hands, and Claressa don’t have no power. The only thing that Claressa has is her youth going forward with Laiyla.

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Congratulations Shields vs Lani Daniels : Shields Shines & Secures

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Claressa shields

Congratulations Shields vs Lani Daniels : Shields Shines & Secures Unanimous Decision to Remain the Undisputed Queen of Boxing! 🌟🥊👑

The “GWOAT” handles business in her hometown, beats Lani Daniels by unanimous decision.

The “GWOAT” continues her reign atop women’s boxing.

Claressa Shields handled Lani Daniels convincingly, beating her by unanimous decision with the judges scoring the bout 100-90, 99-91 (x2). Shields defended her undisputed women’s heavyweight titles.

Shields (17-0, 3 KOs) imposed her will from the start, coming out the more confident fighter and pressing forward with aggression. The combination of speed, power and precision made for a very tough night for Daniels (11-3-2, 1 KO). Shields continued to stay in the pocket, loading up on her shots and looking for the finish. She was able to change levels well, targeting both sides of the body and land at a high volume.

Daniels was tough, even going head-to-head on the inside-fighting in the middle rounds. But even though Daniels pressed forward, Shields was just quicker to react, faster to counterpunch and just quicker to engage. That being said, Daniels was able to take the “GWOAT’s” best shots.

Claressa shields

READ MORE : Claressa Shields delivers a masterclass performance, dismantling

Shields at heavyweight is a more dangerous boxer. While at middleweight, she was definitely utilizing her footwork and ring IQ a lot more. But at this weight class, she combines her world class skill with a much more aggressive output, where it looks like every punch it meant to do damage. When it comes to the bigger weight classes, it’s hard to see who could give Shields a real challenge.

Saturday night, the “GWOAT” proved why she runs women’s boxing.

Shields vs Daniels undercard results

Middleweight: Tony Harrison def. Edward Ulloa Diaz via unanimous decision (96-93, 98-91, 97-92)

Heavyweight: Pryce Taylor def. Robert Simms via unanimous decision (80-72 x3)

Samantha Worthington def. Victoire Piteau via unanimous decision (99-91, 95-95, 96-94) to win interim WBA Super Lightweight title

Featherweight: Caroline Veyre def. Licia Boudersa via unanimous decision (99-91, 98-92, 99-91)

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Claressa Shields delivers a masterclass performance, dismantling

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Claressa shields

Claressa Shields delivers a masterclass performance, dismantling Lani Daniels to brilliantly retain her undisputed heavyweight title—cementing her legacy with yet another triumphant chapter. Congratulations to the GWOAT! 🥇👑💥

Claressa Shields advanced her pro boxing record to 17-0 (3 KOs) and successfully retained her undisputed women’s heavyweight championship on Saturday with a dominant decision win over the tricky Lani Daniels. It all went down in front of a packed crowd at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, atop an 11-bout card that aired on DAZN.

After raising the roof with her walkout, Shields, Uncrowned’s No. 2 pound-for-pound women’s boxer, and Daniels (11-3-2, 1 KO), combined to produce a bizarre opening round in which only two punches were landed in the entire two-minute frame. To borrow a phrase from boxing’s chief financier, Turki Alalshikh, it was as if Daniels had taken it upon herself to produce “Tom-and-Jerry” boxing.

READ MORE : How Claressa Shields, Terence Crawford And More Split

From there, though, Shields took over, out-throwing and out-landing Daniels in each and every round — often by multiples. As the rounds progressed, Shields added more to the fight by feinting, as she tried to bait Daniels into making mistakes, of which she could capitalize on by landing her more powerful punches.

Claressa shields

Shields made an investment in body-punching Daniels, throwing multiple shots in flurries of punches that targeted her midsection, in an effort to take the wind out of her sails. That work paid dividends later in the fight, as rather than get on her bike and move laterally around the ring while throwing little of substance, Daniels instead boxed right in front of Shields — and an actual fight broke out.

Some of Shields’ best work came in the sixth round when she landed brutal body shots, clipped Daniels on the temple, and heard her corner tell her than the visiting New Zealander was effectively there for the taking. Daniels, though, proved to be tough, and absorbed the bigger shots that Shields was able to land, including a heavy punch at the end of the seventh that rocked her head back.

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A barnburner broke out in the eighth, with Daniels landing more shots in the closing rounds than she had in any of the rounds prior, but it was Shields who continued to gain the upper hand with each exchange through a superior shot selection and greater power.

By the end, judges confirmed a lopsided win with scores of 100-90, 99-91, 99-91.

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Earlier in the card, Tony Harrison (30-4-1, 21 KOs) shook off any ring rust from 28 months away from the ring to rise up from the canvas and claim a win on points over Edward Diaz (15-7, 12 KOs), having showcased gifted inside-boxing and a piston-like jab. Harrison said in the build-up to the bout that he wanted to fight five times in the next 18 months, but he’ll need to fine-tune what worked and improve his focus at the end of fights if he’s to effectively challenge the top of a wide-open middleweight division, and not lose by knockout late in bouts.

Elsewhere, Shields’ protege Samantha Worthington picked up the WBA super lightweight interim belt with a majority decision win over Victoire Piteau. Worthington started hard and fast but faded considerably in the second half of the fight, suggesting that her conditioning currently leaves something to be desired.

Finally, Pryce Taylor missed an opportunity to shine in a forgettable heavyweight win over Robert Simms after eight rounds, and Carolyne Veyre posted a good victory over Licia Boudersa.

Check out complete Shields vs. Daniels results below, as well as Uncrowned’s play-by-play of the main card.

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Claressa Shields vs Lani Daniels live updates: How to

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Claressa shields

Claressa Shields vs Lani Daniels live updates: How to watch, fight time, price

Claressa Shields is set to defend her undisputed heavyweight title Saturday, July 26, against “The Smiling Assassin.”

That would be Lani Daniels, a New Zealander with an irrepressible smile she wears everywhere but inside the boxing ring.

Daniels, 37, held the IBF world heavyweight title in 2023 and currently holds the IBF light heavyweight title. Quick and athletic, she’s won seven fights in a row. Yet she’s still a significant underdog against Shields, and for good reason

Daniels did not start boxing until she was 24. Shields, 30, started her boxing career at 15 and since then has won two Olympic gold medals, world titles five divisions and undisputed world titles in three divisions.

In Shields’ 80 fights as an amateur and pro, she has lost once (to Savannah Marshall in 2012). It’s unlikely Daniels will hand Shields loss No. 2.

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Claressa Shields vs Lani Daniels: Start Time, Ringwalks, Full

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Claressa shields

Claressa Shields vs Lani Daniels: Start Time, Ringwalks, Full Running Order, Streaming Details, and How to Watch the Action Unfold Live

Claressa Shields mounts the first defence of her undisputed heavyweight title tomorrow when she faces Lani Daniels atop a stacked card in Detroit, Michigan.

The American united all major belts in her last bout against Danielle Perkins and now fights for the second time in 2025 as she bids to preserve her unbeaten record.

Daniels will hope she can upset one of the sport’s modern masters in the ring, but the New Zealander knows she has her work cut out to stop her relentless opponent.

DAZN News has everything you need to know ahead of Claressa Shields against Lani Daniels.

Claressa Shields vs Lani Daniels fight date, start time

Claressa Shields vs Lani Daniels will take place on Saturday, July 26 with the whole card set to be shown live on DAZN.

The first fight is due to take place at 6:00 pm ET, with the first broadcast fight on the undercard due at 8:00 pm ET.

Claressa shields

 

How to watch Claressa Shields vs Lani Daniels?

Claressa Shields versus Lani Daniels and the whole fight card will be available to stream live on DAZN in over 200 countries across the globe via a DAZN subscription.

If you are not currently a DAZN member, then monthly and annual subscription options are available to watch over 185 fights a year across boxing, bare knuckle boxing, MMA and kickboxing.

Currently, until July 28, US customers can get an annual subscription for just $157.49, reduced from $224.99. That’s just $3.02 per week or $0.85 per fight night.

In the UK an Annual Super Saver subscription is a one-off payment of £119.99 for 12-months access (£14.99 / $19.99 per month if paying in monthly instalments).

A Monthly Flexible pass, which can be cancelled at any time, is £24.99 / $29.99 per month.

Where is the Claressa Shields vs Lani Daniels fight?

Claressa shields

The fight is set to be held at Little Caesars Arena, in Detroit, United States.

Opened in 2017, the 22,000-capacity venue has hosted a variety of sports events ranging from ice hockey to basketball to professional wrestling in the past decade.

Claressa Shields vs Lani Daniels odds

Claressa Shields is the overwhelming favourite to take victory against Lani Daniels and is priced odds-on at 1/25 for the victory with DAZN Bet.

Her rival is priced at a distant 15/2, making her the comfortable underdog in this matchup.

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I Always Own The Ring” Claressa Shields Donates Project To Mark

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Claressa shields

I Always Own The Ring” Claressa Shields Donates Project To Mark her win ahead of her fight against Lani Daniels – “Follow Your Dreams”

Claressa Shields Before stepping into the ring to compete for the Undisputed Heavyweight World Championship, Claressa Shields proves once again that her impact goes far beyond boxing.

The undefeated champion announced the launch of the “Follow Your Dreams” program, an emotional community initiative in partnership with King Moore, a child actor, social media phenomenon, and youth motivator who is just nine years old.

The project is presented by SMT Financial Partners and will culminate on fight night, when 1,000 local children will attend the bout at Little Caesars Arena free of charge as part of an unforgettable experience.

The evening will include a powerful tribute to “Follow Your Dreams,” a message of hope, resilience, and faith in the future. Moore will perform his song of the same name live in front of the illuminated stadium, surrounded by the invited children, in a tribute that seeks to inspire an entire generation.

“I know what it’s like to grow up with big dreams and face big challenges,” Shields said. “That’s why it means so much to me to partner with King Moore and SMT to show the youth of Detroit that anything is possible. I want all the young people in that arena to feel recognized, supported, and inspired to pursue their dreams, just as I did,” Shields said.

Claressa shields

Shields, who overcame a childhood marked by poverty in Michigan, remains committed to youth development in her community. “Follow Your Dreams” has benefited iconic Detroit programs such as the Children’s Boxing Center, Kronk/Emanuel Steward Champions of Tomorrow, the Police and Fire Youth Program, the Motor City Wolverines, the Arthur Eddy Academy, and various local schools and organizations.

Moore said, “Children are 50% of the population, but 100% of the future. I want those 1,000 kids at Little Caesars Arena to know that if they pursue their dreams, nothing is impossible!”

SMT CEO DJ Selph concluded, “When a child sees a champion, they believe they can be one. I am proud of the message these two champions are sending to our children.”

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