Boxing: Shields bring new twist to classic script

By Steve Keating

LONDON (Reuters) - It is the Hollywood-styled boxing tale begging for a cinematic release.

A young fighter growing up in Flint, Michigan, which according to a 2011 FBI report are some of the most dangerous streets in America, finds purpose and success in the ring.

But this 'Rocky' story comes with a twist.

The boxer is Claressa Shields, a brash 17-year-old high school student, not a journeyman underdog and the ring is an Olympic one in London where for the first time women will fight for a gold medal.

The rest of the script, however, rings with familiarity.

A Rust Belt relic beaten down by the collapse of the auto industry, Flint had the second-highest murder rate in the United States and the highest rates of aggravated assault, burglary and arson in 2011.

Few in the city have been left untouched by the violence and the headlines seldom bring good news.

Until Monday. When Shields put away Sweden's twice-former world champion Anna Laurell with a ferocious fourth round flurry to take another step towards what she constantly refers to as "My gold medal".