Claressa Shields and Amanda Serrano aren’t just two of the greatest women’s boxers in the world today, they are among the best of all time.
Over the past few years, the women have rarely spoken directly to one another on social media, but there have been a few references that fight fans could take as under-the-radar jabs from both sides.
Apparently, Serrano and Shields had time on Wednesday, April 16.
Whether you enjoy seeing them bicker or not, there’s no question their beef is good for women’s boxing. Here’s how the latest potentially foundational building block to an enormous event unfolded.
Serrano took to social media to address Shields directly.
Jake Paul, Serrano’s promoter who recently signed Alycia Baumgardner (another of Shields’ rivals) to a promotional deal, chimed in with the instigative repost and quote.
It took Shields just over an hour to reply, and she added a bit of emphasis on her response.
As others chimed in to make their opinions known, Shields’ manager Mark Taffet took to social media to defend his client. “Ain’t nothing in this world wrong with being second best to a once in a lifetime Claressa Shields.”
Serrano had been ignoring the chatter after the initial response, but likely out of respect for Taffet, she did follow up with another post.
I’d spoken with Shields’ promoter Dmitry Salita on Tuesday and again on Wednesday after the dust began to kick up. Salita talked about his recent signing of multiple-division world champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn.
He offered some clarity for the cold war turned hot between Shields and Serrano. As many may expect, this is about respect and recognition in a space where few women have been respected and recognized.
“Shields has been a trailblazer for women’s boxing, opening the door for greater opportunities, visibility, and respect in the sport,” Salita said to me via text. “Her achievements have helped create a platform for other talented fighters like Amanda Serrano, Alycia Baumgardner, and many others to thrive on a global stage. Her impact continues to elevate women’s boxing and inspire the next generation.”
Shields has been fighting and clawing for every ounce of respect since she turned pro after a stellar run as one of the greatest American Olympians of the century. Because she was the first of her generation to take a major step in pay and recognition, she is seemingly always trying to ensure that respect remains on her name.
Don’t let Serrano’s humble words fool you. Her actions suggest she is just as consumed with recognition, compensation, and respect as Shields—it just comes through differently.
And what about Taylor? She’s set to clash with Serrano for a third time on July 11 at Madison Square Garden on Netflix.
I mean, she has only lost once in her career—a majority decision defeat to Chantelle Cameron. However, she avenged that loss in a rematch six months later.
Taylor has not only beaten Amanda Serrano, she’s also defeated her sister Cindy, Natasha Jonas, Delfine Persoon (twice), and Jessica McCaskill in her career. She’s like Tim Duncan. Why does she consistently get left out of the GWOAT conversation?
“The opportunities that exist today for fighters like Amanda Serrano, Alycia Baumgardner, and others are built on the foundation Claressa helped lay,” Salita continued. “It’s important not to diminish that truth with false narratives—because these are not opinions, they are facts.”
As it is, Shields is the GWOAT. She’s never lost. She’s won titles at every weight class, and truth be told, she is the fighter who deserves the same opportunities that Serrano and Taylor have received.
It’s unclear what has prevented her from receiving them up to now, but I think this could all be leading to something huge.
“It’s great for the sport of boxing that a celebrity like Jake Paul recognizes the value in what Claressa Shields has built and sees a business opportunity in women’s boxing,” Salita said. “That kind of visibility can help grow the sport. But let’s also be clear about the facts—Claressa paved the way.”
Anyone smell a story here? I do.
I spoke to Salita about the possibilities of Shields and Crews-Dezurn participating in what would be the biggest night in the history of women’s boxing. Imagine a card with Serrano, Shields, Taylor, Baumgardner, Crews-Dezurn, Shadasia Green, Savannah Marshall, Mikaela Mayer, Cris Cyborg, new-MVP-fighters Dina Thorslund, Ramla Ali, Naomy Valle, and Nat “No Love” Dove on the card.
That may sound a bit ambitious. It is, but it is definitely not out of the realm of possibility. Quite honestly, Mayer is probably the toughest get because she’s with Top Rank.
That’s a card that, if placed on the right weekend, would take over the combat sports weekend. This beef between Shields and Serrano could lay the groundwork for an event like that; and while lucrative for Shields and Serrano, it would also be arguably the best seed the two all-time greats could plant for the sport once they’ve hung up the gloves.
