Claressa Shields: The Boxer Who Turned to MMA

Claressa Shields, a renowned boxer with multiple championships and Olympic gold medals to her name, is no stranger to controversy. Despite her impressive resume, critics still question her status as one of the greatest boxers of all time. One of the biggest debates surrounds her skills in mixed martial arts (MMA), a field she recently entered. In the cage, Shields faced Kelsey DeSantis and won. Before this, she successfully defended her undisputed title against Maricela Cornejo. During an interview with boxing legend Andre Ward, Shields addressed her transition to MMA. He asked, "Why are you going to MMA? Was it money, or do you just want to try something else? " Shields claimed that it's not just about money; she genuinely enjoys fighting and wants to explore new challenges. She stated, "I'm the queen of the ring. " However, Shields often faces unfair comparisons. She mentioned that whenever a woman wins in MMA using boxing techniques, people start saying she has the best hands in boxing. Shields argues that her skills are unparalleled in women's boxing. She believes her level of expertise is comparable to the top ten male boxers. One particular comparison that irks her is with Amanda Nunes. Shields is confident that in a boxing match, she would defeat Nunes. However, she acknowledges that MMA is a different sport and admits she needs more time to master it. Shields isn't new to MMA; she started under the PFL banner three years ago. After a win and a loss, she re-signed with the league. Her boxing career continues to thrive, but her determination to succeed in MMA is unwavering. She has previously engaged in heated discussions with former UFC champion Cris Cyborg, who recently returned to boxing. Regardless of the comparisons and debates, fans recognize Shields as the best female boxer of her era. Only time will tell if her boxing prowess translates to MMA success.