Claressa Shields: A Champion’s Legacy
Claressa Shields, a prominent figure in boxing, boldly asserts that her achievements elevate her among the sport’s greatest, drawing parallels to the legendary Muhammad Ali. As she readies herself for a defense of her undisputed heavyweight title against Lani Daniels on July 26 in Detroit, Shields is unyielding in her belief that her legacy mirrors that of boxing icons. She even extends this comparison to former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, despite his recent patchy performances, suggesting he too shares a place in the elite conversation.
Shields on Her Standing in Boxing
In a recent interview with Whistle Sports, Shields, who proudly claims the title of the Greatest Woman of All Time (GWOAT), articulated her stance on her standing within the sport.
“I’m on the brink of being mentioned alongside Muhammad Ali,”
she stated.
“Deontay Wilder has also been in conversations about Ali’s caliber, as well as Terence Crawford.”
Views on Jake Paul
Shields also tackled the subject of Jake Paul, the internet sensation turned boxer, who has rapidly gained notoriety in the boxing world with aspirations of claiming a title. Despite his influence on the sport, Shields was firm in her dismissal of any comparability between him and the renowned legends of boxing, saying,
“I wouldn’t ever put Jake Paul in that category. He’s had an impact on the boxing scene, but it doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things.”
A Trailblazer in Boxing
Throughout her career, Shields has established herself as a boxing trailblazer, holding the distinction of being the first athlete—male or female—to become undisputed in three different weight divisions during the four-belt era. With a flawless record of 16 wins, including 3 by knockout, she is looking to continue her reign and expand her legacy in the heavyweight division.
Her return to the ring follows a victorious fight against Danielle Perkins in February, and now she is prepared to take on Daniels in what is only the second heavyweight fight at the Little Caesars Arena. Some may contest her comparisons to Ali; however, Shields’ background speaks volumes—from her Olympic triumphs to her multiple undisputed championships, the accolades she has achieved are hard to overlook.
Looking Ahead
As Shields gears up for this pivotal match on July 26, she remains unafraid to express her thoughts and assert her position within boxing, redefining what it means to be a champion. In doing so, both her physical prowess and bold declarations carve out yet another defining moment in her career, as she continues to aim for greatness.
Phil Jay, with over 15 years of journalism experience and expertise in boxing coverage, offers insights in his role as the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News. He has been on the forefront of combat sports reporting, interviewing champions and covering monumental boxing events worldwide.
