The high-octane world of boxing is no stranger to bold proclamations, but few have been as audacious as Claressa Shields’ recent assertions. A three-time Undisputed Champion, three-division World Champ, and two-time Olympic victor, Shields unflinchingly compared herself to none other than boxing legends Muhammad Ali and Floyd Mayweather, ahead of her imminent match against Maricelo Cornejo.

“I want to be the best fighter possible before I retire,” Shields stated in her recent interview. She candidly continued, “I think me personally, that I am one of the best boxers in the world, male or female. I think it’s Muhammad Ali, Floyd Mayweather, me. That’s it, that’s it.”

Shields’ ambition is as audacious as it is inspiring. In the midst of questioning her lack of knockout victories, she expresses her desire to secure these more decisive victories, musing, “If I can go there and win unanimous decisions, I am always asking myself after the fight: Why didn’t you get the knockout? How come didn’t the knockout come?”

Can the fighter who is known for her steely determination back up her words with action in the upcoming match? Or is there a significant difference between being confident and being overconfident?

A spectrum of responses to Claressa Shields’ bold assertions

Following Claressa Shields’ bold claim, boxing enthusiasts worldwide have been quick to respond, with their reactions forming a colorful mosaic of differing views.

The first of these responses comes from a Twitter user named AbeMorales, who voices high praise for the boxing champion, exclaiming, “She’s a badass. Great inspiration for a lot of people.” He showcases an admiration for Shields’ confidence and ambition, positioning her as an inspiring figure in the sport.

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However, some reactions took a different tone. A user known as ®️Randolph™️SFM ©️ offered a somewhat more skeptical perspective, posting a string of laughing emojis that seems to question the feasibility of Shields’ bold assertions.

Similarly, James Callan highlights an apparent contradiction in Shields’ claims, arguing, “Calls herself the greatest active fighter on the planet and then goes on to wonder why she can’t knock anyone out ‘I’m working on that’ but I’m still the best boxer male or female.”

Meanwhile, Alexis🇨🇺🇵🇷 acknowledges Shields’ fighting prowess, yet gently criticizes her audaciousness, saying, “She can fight for sure. But man, she always seems so ahead of herself.”

Lastly, Mike Parker identifies a resemblance between Shields and Mayweather, albeit somewhat critically. He notes, “She looks and talks like Mayweather, that’s about it.”

These varied fan responses illuminate the complex narrative surrounding Shields, highlighting a range of views that span from full support and admiration to criticism and skepticism.

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Whether Shields will justify her claims in her upcoming bout remains to be seen, but it’s clear that her bold assertions have set the boxing world abuzz.

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