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“What’s the Point of This?”: Claressa Shields and Alycia Baumgardner’s Verbal Altercation Gets Fans Riled Up

Published 04/07/2024, 12:34 PM EDT

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Claressa Shields, the undisputed reigning super middleweight queen, isn’t backing down from a challenge. After being called out by undisputed super featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner, Shields fired back with a bold statement: “I will fight – and beat – her at any weight class.” However, it’s not just words anymore. Both boxers recently got into a heated face-off on the sidelines of the Richardson Hitchins vs. Gustavo Lemos fight.

I say yes, I will fight Claressa Shields at 147, make the fight,” Baumgardner declared on an Instagram live video. “Size does not matter to me, baby,” she insisted, “It’s the skills, baby.” Claressa Shields responded by telling her to come up to 154 lbs if she wanted to fight her. What ensued was a barrage of social media mudslinging from both sides. Every interviewer was asking them questions about the other. So naturally, with so much bad blood, things were expected to come to a head soon. Well, that’s exactly what happened at the recent DAZN event.

Alycia Baumgardner calls Claressa Shields “insecure”

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At yesterday’s fight between Richardson Hitchins and Gustavo Lemos, Claressa Shields, and Alycia Baumgardner, who were in the audience, got engaged in an irate confrontation after the fight had ended. Amid the shouting fest, Baumgardner accused the undisputed champion of wanting to be like her.

Well, this tuned up the pitch drastically and then Baumgardner started calling Shields, “Insecure.” It was at this time, that Shields even smacked Baumgardner’s hand away from her face. DAZN posted a video of this altercation, with the caption, “[watch] @alyciambaum and @Claressashields go at it.” Even Shields acknowledged the confrontation in her post on X after it happened.

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She wrote, “Ran up on that b***h, f**k on h*e.” This debacle between the two top female boxers and former friends definitely excited the fans, but the difference in their weight is still the problem that lingers.

Fight is exciting but the logistics present a dilemma

The internet is buzzing after a heated encounter between champions Claressa Shields and Alycia Baumgardner. Here’s a breakdown of how fight fans reacted on Twitter. One of the tweets captured the raw excitement many fans feel about a potential Shields vs. Baumgardner fight. The anticipation is palpable, with fans eager to see these two talented boxers go toe-to-toe.

One user emphasized the potential explosiveness of the matchup. Baumgardner’s fearless confidence against the decorated Shields promises fireworks in the ring.

Another one highlighted a logistical hurdle. The significant weight difference between Shields and Baumgardner necessitates finding a weight class where both fighters can comfortably compete.

One fan expressed skepticism about the feasibility of the fight. The weight disparity is a real concern, and some fans doubt a safe and competitive matchup can even be made.

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A tweet countered the negativity. This fan acknowledged the weight difference but remained optimistic, urging promoters to find a workable solution to the weight disparity.

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These mixed reactions showcase the intriguing yet complex nature of a potential Shields vs. Baumgardner fight. The size disparity is undeniable, but the fighters’ obvious animosity and the fans’ enthusiasm might make the fighters find a way around it. What are your thoughts about this? Tell us in the comments section.

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Written by:

Chirag Radhyan

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Chirag Radhyan is a senior boxing writer at EssentiallySports. Having authored close to 2K articles, he is a live-coverage specialist, contributing to the detailed reportage of live boxing events ranging from the Jermell Charlo vs Canelo Alvarez bout to Ryan Garcia vs Gervonta Davis. Moreover, his coverage of the off-court drama between Jake Paul and Tommy Fury received widespread appreciation from readers.
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Edited by:

Gokul Pillai