The simmering rivalry between Claressa Shields and Alycia Baumgardner exploded once more this weekend. Shields was working as a commentator for the Richardson Hitchins vs. Gustavo Lemos fight when she bumped into her nemesis, Baumgardner. This wasn’t a friendly encounter. According to reports, Shields temporarily left her post to confront Baumgardner, resulting in a fiery exchange of words.
The tension was palpable, and even after Shields returned to her commentary duties, the bad blood lingered. This ongoing feud has become a familiar dance for boxing fans. Social media spats and in-person confrontations have become the norm. But the biggest obstacle to settling this rivalry in the ring remains: weight class. Moreover, Claressa Shields exposes Alycia regarding her substance abuse.
Claressa Shields believes Baumgardner would take steroids again
Following a tense faceoff at the recent Hitchins-Lemos event, Shields unloaded on her rival in a fiery interview. The Michigan born boxer addressed Baumgardner’s past accusations of performance-enhancing drug use with clear anger. “Whatever, she’s a dr*g cheat,” Shields stated. “I don’t give a f***,” she continued, referencing Baumgardner’s suspension for a failed drug test. Baumgardner has since maintained her innocence.
The interview also highlighted the fighters’ significant weight difference. Baumgardner reigns as the 130-pound champion, while Shields sits comfortably at 160 pounds. “She can walk around on weight,” Shields said, implying that Baumgardner’s past positive test may have aided her weight management. Shields further fanned the flames by addressing comments Baumgardner made about her appearance.
“Look, Alicia, I don’t know where the f*** you got that I was ugly from,” Shields fired back in a surprising turn. She vehemently denied any insecurity about her looks, stating, “God not to find a cute. No, God not to find a cute and he don’t care about ugly. So it’s like, therefore looks don’t matter.” Not only this, Shields, in another tweet also mentioned how she actually tried to reach out to Baumgardner’s team but didn’t receive any response.
Shields roped in for clout?
Claressa Shields has fired back at suggestions that her rivalry with Alycia Baumgardner is a publicity stunt. The comments come after a heated faceoff between the two champions at the recent Hitchins-Lemos event. Shields took to Twitter to address the situation, specifically referencing her manager, Dmitry Salita.
Her team didn’t even want to entertain the conversation! Ask @Dsalita ! First call I made after I won my mma fight, “set the fight between me & Alycia now” he called her team and everyone was super against it!!!!! Said Alycia was just talking 🙃 “clout” https://t.co/jGqYUEukda
— Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) April 7, 2024
Her tweet reads: “Her team didn’t even want to entertain the conversation! Ask @Dsalita! First call I made after I won my MMA fight, ‘set the fight between me & Alycia now’ he called her team and everyone was super against it!!!!! Said Alycia was just talking ‘clout.’” Shields’ tweet suggests her team was initially hesitant about pursuing a fight with Baumgardner.
She claims that she actively pushed for the matchup following her MMA victory, and that Baumgardner’s team ultimately rejected the proposition. What are your thoughts about this matchup? Tell us in the comments section.