Claressa Shields Urges Women to Support Women’s Sports

Published 05/13/2023, 8:50 AM EDT

In a world where every tweet can spark a revolution, a single post from a champion boxer has started a dialogue that extends far beyond the ring. Claressa Shields, a two-division undisputed champion, is known for her power punches and fearless spirit. But recently, it’s her words outside the ring that are making an impact, igniting a discussion on an unexpected and often overlooked issue in the sports world.

As she prepares for an upcoming rematch, Shields has left her fans and followers intrigued and slightly perplexed with a recent tweet. While the message comes from a place of power, it also highlights a curious discrepancy in the world of women’s sports, leaving many to ponder over its implications.

A tweet that packs a punch: Claressa Shields highlights discrepancy in women’s sports viewership

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In the heart of the discussion lies a tweet from Shields that has since garnered significant attention. The champion boxer took to her Twitter account to express a striking observation. She wrote, “It’s proven that most women don’t watch women sports. That’s weird to me. If we want to prosper in our sport we have to support each other!!! All women champions fights I’ve been too, all of them should be at my World title fight Vs Gabriels June 3rd! It should be packed with.”

It’s proven that most women don’t watch women sports. That’s weird to me. If we want to prosper in our sport we have to support each other!!! All women champions fights I’ve been too, all of them should be at my Word title fight Vs Gabriels June 3rd! It should be packed with
— Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) May 12, 2023

Shields’ words seem to highlight an issue that has long been present but scarcely discussed the lower viewership of women’s sports, even among women themselves. With the upcoming match against four-division world champion Hanna Gabriels on the horizon, Shields’ call for more women to support and attend women’s sports events is timely, powerful, and evocative.

Is Claressa Shields the ‘face of women’s boxing’?

In a recent interview conducted at her Florida club during a training session, Shields discussed her upcoming bout with Gabriels, her personal beliefs about her role in the sport, and the disparity she sees in women’s representation in boxing. The Michigan native asserted her prowess in the ring, citing her victory over Savannah Marshall as evidence of her skill. She emphasized her conviction with a bold statement, “If I was a man, I’d be the face of boxing. I’ve got more accomplishments than everybody.”

Shields expressed frustration over the lack of consideration given to women’s boxing in discussions about the sport’s leading figures. However, she remains committed to her craft, promising to continue honing her skills and promoting women’s boxing, regardless of the world’s perception.

She ended the chat by emphasizing the significance of her impending bout against Gabriels, promising to bring her best self to the ring on fight night.

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Written by:

Mrinal Mishra is a Boxing writer at EssentiallySports, who is dedicated to covering live events with a special emphasis on influencer boxing events. With a focus on storytelling, Mishra strives to bring to light the stories of fighters that often go untold. As a big fan of Mike Tyson, Mishra believes that boxing will remain relevant for eternity, and he is committed to covering the sport with the respect and admiration it deserves.

Edited by:

Shibu Immanuel