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In the world of boxing, controversy is as common as the sound of the bell. Yet, the recent IBF flyweight title bout took an unexpected twist. Gabriela Fundora’s victory over Christina Cruz on 27th January ended unusually, sparking debates far and wide. Was it just another fight, or something more? Top boxing figures like Amanda Serrano and Claressa Shields have voiced their shock.

Their tweets reveal a deep divide in opinions. Claressa Shields, didn’t hold back. Serrano, too, weighed in with her perspective. What really happened in that Phoenix ring?

Claressa Shields stands strong on her perspective!
The pivotal moment came in the tenth round of the fight, where Gabriela Fundora was declared the winner over Christina Cruz when Cruz turned her back to Gabriela. This outcome immediately sparked reactions from prominent figures in the boxing world.

Claressa Shields took to Twitter expressing her disbelief. “Just watched @christinaboxing fight! The ref never heard of an 8 count!? Why he just stop the fight like that! Bad stoppage 😒,” she tweeted. This comment stirred a response from a fan, emphasizing a key rule in professional boxing: “No 8-count in pro boxing Claressa.”

Shields, undeterred, continued, “Her turning her back wouldn’t be considered a Knock down.“

Amidst this exchange, Amanda Serrano added her voice. She tweeted, “It’s a misfortune thing but with the way they had them scorecards set that title was staying with the champ. They didn’t give poor Tina a fair share. One judge had it 90-81. I thought it was even or Tina ahead. What’s boxing without controversy nowadays? Sad but it’s the sport we love & do.”

These tweets, laden with emotion and expertise, underscore the complexity and often subjective nature of boxing’s rule enforcement and scoring.

What did Cristina Cruz have to say about her loss?

She tripped, Christina says
Christina Cruz has expressed feelings of betrayal and misunderstanding. Cruz detailed the sequence of events that led to the unexpected turn in her post on social media, stating, “The momentum of me missing with the hook, tripping on her front foot and getting hit in the back of my head caused me to turn my back. I didn’t intentionally turn and was not hurt.”

She highlighted a crucial moment, saying, “The 2nd my body turned, ref should’ve stepped in before she punched my back.” Cruz felt cornered in the situation, noting, “The ref wasn’t helping so my initial reaction was to cover up and protect myself in hopes the ref would give a warning.” Her account adds a vital layer to the unfolding narrative of the bout’s controversial conclusion.

How can the sport of boxing evolve to ensure fairness and clarity in its rulings, while maintaining the raw excitement and unpredictability that define it?

In the world of combat sports, few figures command attention like Claressa Shields. The champion boxer, now an MMA fighter, never shies away from a challenge. Her journey in MMA, though short, has been a spectacle. With a record of 1-1 in the Professional Fighters League (PFL), Shields has faced both victory and defeat.

Her debut win against Brittney Elkin turned heads. Yet, a split decision loss to Abigail Montes raised eyebrows. Now, she’s back with a message for her critics ahead of a potential feature in the PFL vs. Bellator MMA event in Saudi Arabia on 24 February. But what exactly did she say? And why should it matter?

Some blah blah won’t stop Claressa Shields!
Claressa Shields has taken to Twitter with a powerful declaration. “Blah blah. You haters are the funniest 😂,” she begins, setting a tone of dismissal towards her detractors. Her tweet continues, unapologetically bold, “I got into MMA to prove a point! I proved it.” This statement reflects her initial victory against Brittney Elkin.

Shields doesn’t stop there; she addresses her setback, “I lost a split decision my 2nd fight y’all trolled! ‘Yeah go back to boxing, you’re scared of MMA girls.’” This refers to her closely contested match against Abigail Montes, which ended in a split decision in favor of Montes.

However, Shields turns this narrative on its head, demonstrating her resilience. “Now I’m back after handling BIG BUSINESS in boxing and y’all mad again,” she states, underlining her triumphant return to MMA after reinforcing her boxing legacy.

Her tweet culminates in a defiant crescendo, “Y’all want me to be a loser and sad so bad! Not gonna happen b**ches.” This line serves as a clear rebuke to her critics and a reaffirmation of her unbreakable spirit. But who is she facing in her third MMA fight?

Upcoming challenge: Shields vs. DeSantis
As Claressa Shields gears up for her return to the PFL lightweight division, she faces an intriguing opponent in Kelsey DeSantis. DeSantis, holding a record of 1-2-0, presents a unique challenge. Her journey began with a debut loss to Al-Lanna Jones in 2013, followed by a lengthy hiatus from the sport.

Claressa Shields inks multi-year deal with PFL, targets 2024 MMA return –  Fighters Only

Making a comeback in 2023, DeSantis faced two more fights, experiencing a loss to Amanda Bell and a first-round knockout victory against debutant Kathleen Nelson. In contrast, Shields, with a 1-1 MMA record, showcases a brief but impactful cage career. This matchup sets the stage for a compelling clash of comeback and resilience.

Will Shields’ boxing finesse and MMA adaptability prevail, or will DeSantis’ return to the cage mark the beginning of a new chapter in her fighting career?

Claressa Shields is the face of female boxing, having built up a cult following in the boxing world. In the same context, a professional artist produced a realistic rendition of the undefeated boxer on X (formerly Twitter). Shields last entered the ring back in June last year against Maricela Cornejo, winning the fight via unanimous decision, and may soon make an appearance against an MMA fighter.

With PFL acquiring Bellator MMA, Shields now shares the same banner as Cris Cyborg, who has expressed willingness to face the undisputed middleweight champion in any setting. However, before Shields could fight again, an X user expressed their admiration for Shields through a realistic painting of her. Here’s what the artist produced!

Fan names Claressa Shields the best female boxer
Earlier today, the artist shared a clip showcasing the digital painting of Shields in a pink dress with large white gloves on either hand, blissfully smiling. Accompanying the clip, the artist’s tweet read, “Having fun drawing the Best women’s boxer in the world.” Shields, the two-division champion, has no shortage of devoted fans online, so posts such as these aren’t uncommon.

Of late, she was in the headlines for her sports documentary, ‘Flint Strong.’ The film is an adaptation of a prior movie based on Shields’ journey to become the first female boxer to win gold. It will feature Ryan Destiny, playing Shields’ character in the movie. While the movie waits for a release date, here’s what Cris Cyborg said about a potential fight against Claressa ‘The Goat’ Shields.

Shields vs. Cyborg: An MMA boxing crossover
While talking to MMA Junkie Radio, the mixed martial artist suggested they can do one fight each on MMA and boxing. “I think it’ll be nice. I think the fans would like it. [With] much respect, Claressa is the GOAT in boxing. She’s the best in boxing, but for me, it’s nice,” Shields added. It’s worth mentioning that in a prior interview with Junkie Radio, Shields also expressed interest in fighting Cyborg.

Claressa Shields: 'I can drive through Flint now and not get flashbacks' | Claressa Shields | The Guardian

So, piggybacking off of that during Cyborg’s appearance, she said, “Like MMA, it’s a different world in boxing. We’re in the same organization. For sure, we can fight MMA one day.” While Cyborg wasn’t sure when the fight may happen, she claimed she is open to making great fights. “She’s young; I’m at the end of the line now, but for sure, I love opportunities. I love to do great fights,” said Cyborg.

With Shields’ popularity growing every day, her fans, like this professional artist, find new ways to express their admiration for the undefeated boxer. What did you think of the artwork?

The pound-for-pound clash between reigning IBF welterweight champ Natasha Jonas and American star Mikaela Mayer certainly lived up to the hype.

After 10 rounds of high-contact action, it was Jonas who retained her title via split decision in her home city of Liverpool. However, many fans feel that the bout’s location contributed to this result and that Mayer should have left the ring with a victory.

It was Jonas’ accuracy versus Mayer’s work rate in a bout that will be in the running for Fight of the Year. And even though Mayer didn’t have a rematch clause in her contract, there have been calls for an immediate sequel.

In the pound-for-pound ratings, Jonas retains her spot at No. 6. Mayer, who entered at No. 11, moves up to the No. 9 spot following a terrific performance in defeat.

Through attrition, unified super middleweight champ Savannah Marshall and former super featherweight champ Delfine Persoon move down one place.
Women’s pound-for-pound rankings: The Sporting News’ top 12


The best in the world at light heavyweight: Claressa Shields
Claressa Shields, AKA The GWOAT. still reigns supreme.

The reigning undisputed middleweight champion also fully unified at super welterweight and once held a pair of titles at super middleweight. A native of Flint, Michigan, Shields has terrific technique, blazing hand speed and she’s bursting with energy and fighting heart.

Signature wins have come against Savannah Marshall, Marie-Eve Dicaire and Christina Hammer.

In August 2023, Claressa Shields revealed that she signed a multiyear deal with the PFL and would return to MMA in 2024. In this context, while she is set to step into the PFL SmartCage this year, ‘T-Rex’ hopes to win a championship in the MMA and display her improved skills. The CEO of PFL announced they were privileged to welcome “the most dominant” Shields.

On February 24th, in an event titled ‘Seize the Throne’, PFL champions will square off against Bellator champions in the cage. In one of the undercards of the event, Shields has been confirmed to feature. She will compete against a fighter out of Miami, Florida. Here is all you need to know about Shields’ upcoming fight.

The Professional record of Claressa Shields’ upcoming opponent
As Claressa Shields returns to MMA in the Lightweight division, she will face Kelsey DeSantis. While Shields is 1-1 in MMA, DeSantis is 1-2-0. DeSantis made her professional debut in March 2013 against Al-Lanna Jones; losing the fight via split decision, DeSantis stayed away from the cage for a decade. Then in September 2023, she returned against Amanda Bell to lose the contest via unanimous decision.

Claressa Shields signs multi-year deal with PFL for MMA bouts | AP News

Following the loss to Bell, in October, DeSantis faced 28-year-old Kathleen Nelson who was only making her professional debut. Likewise, with someone as inexperienced as Nelson, DeSantis won the match via KO in the first round. On the other hand, Claressa Shields has had only two fights in the cage. In June 2021, Shields won in a 3rd-round KO against Brittney Elkin who arrived with a 3-fight losing streak. However, in the same year, when Shields faced younger fighter Abigail Montes, ‘T-Rex’ lost via decision.

Anyway, given the records of the fighters, on paper DeSantis, 35, doesn’t seem to be a very tough opponent for Shields. Meanwhile, being 7 years younger than DeSantis, Shields, 28, will certainly have an advantage on February 24th.

How does Claressa Shields improve as an MMA fighter? Dan Hardy explains |  DAZN News US

“Excited” Claressa Shields hopes to hold championships in boxing and MMA
Claressa Shields hopes that on returning to PFL SmartCage this year, she will win a title in MMA. As per ‘T-Rex’, her goal is to become the first athlete to “hold championships in boxing and MMA simultaneously.” In her opinion, she has grown a lot since her initial fights in the PFL. As a result, the 28-year-old finds herself excited to display the skills she has acquired over the years. “I am excited to return to a fighter-first organization and I can’t wait to return to the PFL SmartCage,” said Shields in August 2023.

Hopefully, Shields, the no. 1 on ESPN’s pound-for-pound list, will be able to offer her fans the show they desire this February. Anyway, what do you think of Shields’ upcoming opponent DeSantis? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Ryan Destiny, a perfect embodiment of destiny itself, assumes the role of Claressa Shields in Shields’ biopic ‘Flint Strong’ from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, set to hit the theaters in August 2024. However, this isn’t the first time a movie has been made based on Shields’ life. In fact, ‘Flint Strong’ follows Zackary Canepari and Drea Cooper’s 2015 boxing documentary ‘T-Rex’. It is based on Shields’ journey to become the first woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing.

However, who exactly is Ryan Destiny? Destiny is an American actress and singer best known for her role in Fox’s ‘Star’. Flint Strong, aptly named after Shields’ hometown, will mark Destiny’s first movie with a major film studio. However, she did pop up here and there in movies like ‘Oracle,’ ‘A Girl Like Grace,’ and the TV series ‘Grow-ish.’ Not only that, there is more to the actress than meets the eye.

Ryan Destiny: age, height, net worth, parents, ethnicity
According to Net Worth Post, the 5.4” foot actress and songwriter has a net worth of a whopping $19 million as of 2024. Born on 8th January 1995 in Detroit, Michigan, USA, the now 29-year-old was born to parents Dawn Irons and Deron Irons. With roots in the city of Michigan, which has produced countless artists, she was destined for the creative arts. Adding the fact that her father Deron was part of the ‘90s R&B group Guess’, her future was all but sealed for show business. Her father is of African-American descent, but her mother is biracial, of European and African-American ancestry. What’s more, as a child, she was often involved in singing competitions or talent shows, which would later launch her into Hollywood stardom.

Stream Claressa Shields Videos on Watch ESPN - ESPN

Ryan Destiny: Music and showbiz career
After messing around in plays and talent shows as a teenager, she quickly formed a trio. The R&B trio even made it to the third round of ‘America’s Got Talent’ in 2011. Even though it did not pan out the way she would have wanted, there were bigger things in store for her. Soon, she joined another trio with a fellow AGT contestant, forming ‘Love Doll House’ and signed with Russell Simon’s ‘All Def Records.’ The trio had a short lifespan, and Destiny soon made her move to the big screen.

Ryan Destiny: Acting career
She caught her first major break when she was cast as ‘Alexandra Crane’ in the hit television series ‘Star.’ The show followed three talented singers wishing to achieve stardom in the music industry. From there, she went on to feature in ‘Grown-ish,’ playing ‘Jillian’ for 11 episodes from 2020 to 2021. Later, in 2023, she appeared as the main character ‘Shay’ in the horror movie ‘Oracle.’

It follows the main character as she accepts a job on a property marred by a traumatic past, but she soon finds herself realizing her childhood nightmares are somehow connected to the house. She soon landed a major role in the upcoming project, Flint Strong, the screenplay for which is written by Barry Jenkins, the acclaimed director of such films as Moonlight (2016) and If Beale Street Could Talk (2018). The film is currently under production.

What is Ryan Destiny’s relationship status?
Ryan Destiny is in limbo when it comes to her relationship status! Back in 2015, Destiny and Keith Powers met at a Teen Vogue party and later confirmed their relationship in 2019. At that time, both parties had emphasized the importance of privacy while being in the public eye. Powers even expressed the challenges of a public relationship. On the other hand, Destiny was committed to her individuality.

Considered a prominent couple at the time, they even featured in various projects in 2019, including a Calvin Klein campaign and the music video for Big Sean’s ‘Single Again’, playing the role of a couple in the middle of a cheating scandal. However, in 2022, reports pointed toward their breakup after four years of dating. Despite their breakup, they have been spotted together on social media and in live media events.

Both Powers and Destiny appeared posing on the red carpet at the Tribeca Film Festival premiere for Powers’ movie ‘The Perfect Find’. Later that week, the duo attended the American Black Film Festival, possibly hinting at a reconciliation of their romance. This, coupled with the ex-partners spending time together during the summer, has given fans hope for a rekindling of their relationship. Despite numerous fans calling them out for getting back together, neither has officially confirmed their relationship.

It is not plausible to have pound-for-pound rankings for female boxing and not have Claressa Shields tower over her counterparts. Despite being polarizing, she is widely regarded as the ‘GWOAT.’ And rightfully so! She is an undefeated, multi-weight champion, and has hardly looked vulnerable against any opponent in the professional ring. It was inevitable for her to mark her presence on the list.

Moreover, in a recent turn of events, the undefeated boxer has been ranked number 1, above all other great female boxers. Witnessing this, she could not help herself but make her reactions evident.

Claressa Shields delighted to be the best!
Shields has an active social media presence and does not shy away from making her opinions known to her 142.5k followers on X. Not to mention, she is quite aware of her accolades and vocalizes them to her advantage. Last year, she only fought once, and that was against Maricela Cornejo. However, her victory was quite impressive as she fetched herself a unanimous decision after a dominating contest.

That one fight was sufficient for her to be number one yet again on the pound-for-pound list. And who does she credit this to? Her skills and solely that. In a recent X., tweet, she stated, “Skills baby, skills.”

It is safe to say that Sheilds is quite proud of this achievement. However, it equally bears a mention that there might be an underlying dig by crediting her success to her “Skills.” And the dig might be against her arch nemesis, Alycia Baumgardner.

Shields throws shade at Baumgardner?
Recently, Baumgardner was featured on NBA’s Star, Shaquille O’Neal’s Podcast. In her podcast, she confessed that she is contemplating a fight against Sheilds so long as it takes place at 147. Moreover, she claimed that she would be the victor in their potential bout because she has a superior skill set and acumen. Reflecting on the same, she stated, “I can move up to 147 and fight Claressa. Size does not matter to me, skills do. She added, “I know that my skills are way superior to hers.”

Sheilds credited her “Skills,” just hours after her assertion above. Was this a shade at the super-featherweight champion, or just a mere coincidence? Share with us your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

Claressa Shields has some harsh words for Alycia Baumgardner. The two, despite their weight disparity, have contemplated their potential bout. As of now, Baumgardner is the undisputed super-featherweight world champion. Meanwhile, Shields is a former multi-weight champion. Both of them have a lot at stake, from their impressive record, prestige and drawing value.

Yet, the undisputed champion is adamant about facing Shields. In an interview with NBA star, Shaquille O’Neal, she asserted that she is willing to fight the undefeated boxer but only at 147lbs. Moreover, she makes claims that she is a superior boxer and will defeat the 28-year-old. Witnessing this, Shields did not mince words.

Alycia Baumgardner reveals what really matters to her
Fighters usually tend to have a verbal go at each other online on various social media platforms. This instance is no exception. Initially, Baumgardner went to Shaquille O’Neal’s Podcast, in which, she stated, “I can move up to 147 and fight Claressa. Size does not matter to me, skills do. She added, “I know that my skills are way superior to hers.” Witnessing this, Shields took to her X account and wondered as to why Baumgardner had mentioned her name in each interview that she remains a part of. In a now-deleted tweet, she had stated, “She is on a I’ll fight Clarissa Shields tour.”

It is safe to say that the two are not fond of each other. This only makes the bout more exciting than it already is. However, a big question mark is at which weight will the fight take place. Baumgardner wants it to be at 147 but is Claressa ready for it?

Claressa Shields rejects a fight at 147 against anyone
Shields is a natural middleweight. Only a week ago, in an interview, she asserted that she does not foresee herself going lower than 154lbs to compete against anyone. Notwithstanding how lucrative a fight would be for her. This revelation puts her potential fight against the undisputed champion in jeopardy. Reflecting on the same, she stated, “ I wanted to fight at 154, not 147 ! But I’d do it for the “money”. I don’t want to go 147 for anybody!”

Claressa Shields signs multi-year deal with Professional Fighters League  for MMA bouts | WWE News | Sky Sports

There is a major disagreement between the two combatants that might cause hindrance for the bout to come to fruition. However, what happens next, might be revealed in due time. Until then, do you think this fight will take place? Share with us your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

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.

Claressa Shields dropped by male boxer: 'GWOAT' responds to leaked video |  Marca

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.

Claressa Shields, the two-time undisputed boxing champion, is renowned for her candid attitude online. Moreover, she is no stranger to making headlines because of her tweets. Whether challenging Keith Thurman, Shadasia Green or posting a photoshopped photo with Sunny Edwards, Shields’ tweets are pretty peculiar. However, this time it doesn’t involve anyone. In her recent tweets, Claressa Shields gives her fans an intimate look at her thoughts. Furthermore, the thoughts appear as though she is musing.

She tweeted a candid and heartfelt longing for something deeply personal. It’s a desire that resonates with many. Moreover, she also highlighted taking a break from her emotions and longing for human connection. Indeed, these tweets have become a subject of discussion among her fans.

Is Claressa Shields having a hard time?
In a tweet that caught the attention of thousands, Claressa Shields confessed her desire to wake up married to a loving man and to have a child. “I ain’t gone lie, I just want to wake up married to a wonderful loving man & pushing a baby out… is that too much to ask for?” she wrote. Furthermore, this simple yet grave statement unravels her desire to go beyond her professional laurels.

Next, in a tweet, she spoke about taking a break from her emotions. Moreover, this faintly hints at the mental health of Claressa. Evidently, she is having a hard time processing some emotions. As she clearly mentions in her tweet that giving herself a break has been working out for her. Moreover, she even feels “cool as hell” about it.

However, apart from this, Claressa also made news with her stance about Bobbi Althoff’s witty confrontation with Rick Glassman.

What did Claressa say to Bobbi Althoff?
Claressa Shields recently praised YouTuber Bobbi Althoff for her witty confrontation with Rick Glassman. The exchange between Althoff and Glassman caught Shields’ attention. Furthermore, she totally enjoyed the way Althoff handled the situation. Moreover, Shields retweeted the clip and stated that Althoff “served him.”

Additionally, this expressed her support for Althoff’s strong character and nonchalance. Furthermore, this incident highlights Shields’ willingness to take a stand and her appreciation for strength and wit. Her public endorsement of Althoff adds another layer to her multifaceted personality, showcasing her values and beliefs.

Indeed, Claressa Shields’ heartfelt confession gives us a rare and intimate look into a champion’s desires and dreams. Her connection with fans on a deeper level reminds us that athletes have hopes and dreams beyond their professional lives. Additionally, her support for Bobbi Althoff shows her awareness and involvement in matters of importance.

What are your thoughts on Claressa’s tweets? Feel free to unfurl your views in the comments section below!