Claressa Shields’ Sparring Revelations
Claressa Shields recently revealed a past sparring session where she claims to have inflicted injury on Shakur Stevenson, a revelation that has reignited interest following a resurfaced video circulating in boxing circles. During an interview with KO Artist Sports, Shields recounted their two sparring encounters, noting that one was particularly intense.
“When I faced Shakur, it got very physical, and I was pressing forward, cutting off the ring. I landed a solid body shot that really got him going; he started firing back with everything he had.”
This statement contributes to Shields’ reputation as a fighter who isn’t afraid to challenge male opponents in sparring, highlighting a past incident where she was knocked down by Latvian boxer Arturs Ahmetovs in 2018. At the time, Shields brushed off the incident as a non-event, pointing out that it happened five years ago and that Ahmetovs was seeking attention by releasing the footage.
“I regularly spar with men, and getting caught happens. His coach, Derrick Santos, must have felt embarrassed because in our next session, he made sure Arthur wore gloves with little to no padding. I couldn’t believe it.”
Shields’ Impact on Boxing Dynamics
Shields is known for transcending traditional fighting dynamics, having even challenged former welterweight champion Keith Thurman to a fight, which attracted significant media attention. While there appears to be no animosity between her and Stevenson, the old footage has reignited discussions among fans questioning the competitiveness of their sparring rounds.
Stevenson, recognized for his elusive defensive tactics, seldom engages in brawls in the ring, whereas Shields is celebrated for her relentless pressure and aggressive fighting style. The notion that she managed to hit him cleanly with a body shot has sparked a lively debate online, with fans divided on the credibility of her assertions.
Despite this, Shields embodies a fighter willing to push boundaries, whether she’s in the gym with men, trading blows with women in professional bouts, or challenging renowned champions like Thurman.
About the Author
Phil Jay, the author of this piece, has spent over 15 years as a boxing journalist and serves as Editor-in-Chief for World Boxing News, where he has had the opportunity to interview numerous world champions and report on major boxing events around the globe.
