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.”

Skills baby, skills 😊 pic.twitter.com/00c6QjN4cQ

— Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) January 11, 2024

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!”

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.

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.