Claressa Shields has already etched her name in boxing history. As the first American woman to claim Olympic gold in boxing and the first American, irrespective of gender, to secure consecutive Olympic golds, Shields stands as a trailblazer in the sport. However, outside the ring, Shields is also known for her adept trash-talking skills.
Recently, Alycia Baumgardner, the undisputed super featherweight world champion, threw down the gauntlet, challenging Shields to a bout. Responding to Baumgardner’s call, Shields confidently asserted that facing her would be an easy task. Just when fans thought, the two had stopped going back-and-forth, the two locked horns once again on social media.
Claressa Shields and Baumgardner at each other’s throats
In the boxing world, where respect is earned in the ring, a new feud has emerged between Claressa Shields and Alycia Baumgardner. Shields recently took to social media, stating, “I’ve never hated on a boxer in my life I just don’t mess with a lot of fighters cause they weird!!!! I thought this goofy was different, but she been a hater from jump. So mad that I got the opportunity to fight at LCA & her network had her at the Masonic temple… its levels to this shit. You gotta earn it!”
https://x.com/Claressashields/status/1740596796525551625?s=20
She emphasized her recent fight at the Little Caesars Arena (LCA) which cost $862.9 million to build, hinting at Baumgardner’s lesser-known venue, the Masonic temple. Shields feels that not all fighters are on the same level, and she clearly believes she’s on a higher one.
Baumgardner didn’t hold back either, responding, “Like I said a cap a** bih. Are you dumb? A hater? Girl, do you know who I am.” She defended her choice of venue and pointed out that Shields had also fought at the Masonic temple. Moreover, she also claimed, “Bc you fought at LCA..a half empty stadium ! BFFR.”
https://x.com/alyciambaum/status/1740606832064762164?s=20
The back-and-forth continued with Shields pointing towards how Baumgardner got suspended after failing a drug test. She stated, “She’s triggered again like bro go punch a bag & pray you get off the suspended list. This bishhh capped out talking like she really like that it’s so funny.”
This rivalry highlights the competitive nature of boxing. Only time will tell if these two will settle their differences in the ring. Here’s what happened recently when Baumgardner called Shields out for a bout.
Shields claims she is better even without the knockout power
In the previous exchange, Shields pointed out Baumgardner’s loss, stating, “They got all that KNOCKOUT POWER but still got them losses though.” Baumgardner’s sole defeat came against Christina Linardatou in her first WBC International Super featherweight title defense. On the other hand, Shields highlighted her flawless record, emphasizing her No.1 pound-for-pound ranking. Notably, Shields holds multiple titles, including WBA, WBC, IBF, and more.
Transitioning to the broader landscape of women’s boxing, Shields acknowledged the growing tension between them. This rivalry has undoubtedly become a focal point in the realm of female boxing. What do you think about the potential fight between the two? Would you watch it? Do share your thoughts in the comments below.