100 of the Most Influential Women in Sport >> Athletes

Claressa Shields, USA

Boxer

Claressa Shields is best defined through the prism of three Cs – confident, courageous and commanding. All three are linked. The American’s confidence is borne through her command of boxing, that dominance is thanks in large part to the courage developed from a troubled childhood. Indeed, Shields has all the tools to become truly the best at her craft. She is already one of the best female amateur boxers of all time and as a professional has honed a reputation as a frenetic puncher with punishing accuracy. A two-time Olympic gold medalist, a five-time world champion in two divisions and a unified middleweight title holder, Shields is one belt away from undisputed status. She is 23 years old. Female boxing typically doesn’t own a lot space in the media but it’s been impossible to ignore Shields. Showtime is behind her and the undefeated star is only looking forward. Sports next most dominant athlete is here right now.

– Shields took another huge step toward undisputed dominance last year. The American fought four times in 2018, sweeping up three belts across two divisions and faces Christina Hammer in April for undisputed middleweight dominance.

– Her feats in 2018 saw her named by the prestigious Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) as the Female Fighter of the Year.

– A must-watch sports documentary – T-Rex: Her Fight for Gold – has been produced on Shields’ journey to becoming the first women in history to win a boxing gold medal.

Did you know…

Shields leaves her boxing belts at home but carries the two Olympics gold medals won in London and Rio around in a purse or small backpack.

“They think women that box are manly,” she said. “They think that women who box want to be men. I don’t want to be no man! They think women who box are not sensitive and that our butts are hard. Silly stuff.” – Claressa Shields (Source: madamenoire)

Twitter: @Claressashields

Instagram: claressashields