Claressa Shields and Alycia Baumgardner have been going back and forth, but a formal match hasn’t been scheduled due to their differing weight classes. Baumgardner fights in the Super-Featherweight category, while Shields currently fights in the Light-Middleweight division. Shields has suggested that the super featherweight champion consider competing at 160 lbs. While both have expressed a shared interest in fighting the other, they cannot seem to come to agree on a particular weight class.
However, Baumgardner has her own conditions for it. In the ‘Big Podcast with Shaq’, Baumgardner reveals what weight class she is willing to fight Shields in and what it will take to make the fight happen.
What weight division would Alycia Baumgardner fight Claressa Shields at?
When Shaquille asked if they were friends, Baumgardner clearly denied it. Not a surprise, considering their recent feud. Considering the two come from different weight classes, Baumgardner wants the fight to happen at 147 which seems fair to her since both the boxers would have to make a few adjustments to fight there. Moreover, this would be the opportunity for Baumgardner to prove herself against Shields. “Claressa can fight at 147. She said it before. I can move up to 147 and fight Claressa. Size does not matter to me, skills do and I know that my skills are way superior than hers. Facts.” said Baumgardner.
As he proceeded to question her on whether she sees the fight materializing this year, she said “I would say it can happen this year or next year. It takes two fighters. I’ve already said I would fight Claressa Shields. She can accept the fight.” With calls pouring in about putting money into the fight, Baumgardner has no reservations. She is willing as long as Shields is ready to come to 147. However, Shields has some other demands.
Claressa Shields lays down her condition
In a heated exchange with TheBoxingVoice about a potential fight with Cris Cyborg at 154 pounds, Shields drew a parallel with Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou. The page then cited the Charlo-Canelo example, suggesting that Shields should replicate a similar “Undisputed vs Undisputed”‘ feat with Baumgardner. Baumgardner, already an accomplished fighter at 130 pounds, solidified her status as the top female fighter by becoming the Undisputed Super-Featherweight champion in February 2023.
While climbing to light middleweight poses a significant challenge, Shields, undeterred, expressed her willingness to face anyone if conditions align. She pointed to Charlo moving up two weight divisions to fight Alvarez, acknowledging the risks but emphasizing her resolve. She subtly hinted at the fact that Baumgardner needs to climb up to her weight class.
However, considering the outcome of such ambitious jumps, Shields recognizes the careful consideration any boxer must undertake before making such a substantial leap.
With both the fighters still not able to come to a decision, do you think the fight will happen this year? Who do you think makes a fair point regarding the conditions? Let us know in the comments below.
