
via Getty
MIAMI, FL – APRIL 04: WBA, WBC and IBF Middleweight World Champion Claressa Shields poses for the media before her workout at 5th Street Gym on April 4, 2019 in Miami, Florida. Shields is training to fight WBO Middleweight World Champion Christina Hammer for the undisputed middleweight world championship April 13. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)

via Getty
MIAMI, FL – APRIL 04: WBA, WBC and IBF Middleweight World Champion Claressa Shields poses for the media before her workout at 5th Street Gym on April 4, 2019 in Miami, Florida. Shields is training to fight WBO Middleweight World Champion Christina Hammer for the undisputed middleweight world championship April 13. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
A seismic shift has occurred in the boxing world. The ripples of this event are still spreading, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions. Renowned pugilist Claressa Shields has taken the ESPY’s ‘Best Boxer’ mantle, leaving elite male boxers like Gervonta Davis, Devin Haney, and Shakur Stevenson in her wake. Astonishing, isn’t it?
Yet, Shields isn’t new to toppling giants. A two-time Olympic gold medalist, Shields holds an unbeaten record and is affectionately tagged the “G.W.O.A.T.” (Greatest Woman of All Time) in boxing circles. Now, she adds another feather to her cap, a gleaming ESPY, cementing her dominance in the ring.
The distinction becomes even more intriguing when you realize that Shields has conquered a category traditionally dominated by men. She stands tall in a lineup of world-class male boxers, shattering glass ceilings and challenging perceptions. Yet, despite her impressive resume and recent accolades, there’s something that isn’t sitting right with everyone. As in every competitive sport, this victory, too, has its fair share of detractors.
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Boxing fanatics battle: Is Shields’ win a true reflection of boxing merit?
The announcement of Shields’ victory as the ‘Best Boxer’ sparked a flurry of reactions among boxing fans. Many lauded this recognition as a testament to her dominance in the sport, while others questioned the decision in the face of stiff competition from Davis, Haney, and Stevenson.
Twitter user 🥊bOXINGisJAZz🎺 was amongst those showering praise on Shields, exclaiming, “Well deserved. Probably the current most dominant boxer on this here planet.”
Well deserved. Probably the current most dominant boxer on this here planet.
— 🥊bOXINGisJAZz🎺 (@DanielFromIL) July 12, 2023
HABIBI echoed these sentiments, expressing elation over Shields finally receiving due recognition: “Claressa Shields needed to win this NOW!! She is finally getting her recognition, love to see it.”
Claressa Shields needed to win this NOW!! She is finally getting her recognition, love to see it.
Tank, Haney and Stevenson will all have time shine in the next few years.
— HABIBI (@HABIBI_BETS) July 12, 2023
However, not all reactions were in favor of Shields. Danish Boxing Nerd presented a counterargument, pointing out the size of the division Shields competes in compared to her competitors: “She tops a division of 33 fighters according to BoxRec. Devin Haney competes in a division of 2189 fighters.”
This is beyond ridiculous. She tops a division of 33 fighters according to BoxRec. Devin Haney competes in a division of 2189 fighters.
— Danish Boxing Nerd (@DanishBoxing) July 12, 2023
Other reactions ranged from hopeful to sarcastic. Ifedolapo posed an audacious challenge: “I wanna see a fight against Anthony Joshua, she is gonna school him 💯.”
I wanna see a fight against Anthony Joshua she is gonna school him 💯
— Ifedolapo (@dolly_pee0) July 12, 2023
While Mac expressed his disgruntlement towards ESPN: “Yea this is why ESPN is trash lmao. No one will ever pay for a PPV to see her fight.”
Yea this is why ESPN is trash lmao. Give it to Haney or Tank at least they deserve it the most. Tank did over a Million buys and had the whole world watching. Haney and Loma was a instant classic. No will ever pay for a PPV to see her fight.
— mac (@MarcM19890) July 12, 2023
These varied reactions showcase the diversity of opinions surrounding Shields’ victory and the larger discourse on women in boxing. As the dust settles on the announcement, the debate continues to rage on, further highlighting the complexity of this sport and its fans’ passionate engagement.
Also read: Claressa Shields Hints at Being “Damn Near Head Over Heels” in Love
We invite our readers to join the conversation and share their thoughts. Is Claressa Shields the ‘most dominant boxer’ on the planet right now? Or do you think the sport still has some way to go in recognizing and appreciating all its athletes? Let us know your thoughts.
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