Claressa Shields the GWOAT, boxing's best, Laila Ali superfight, on overcoming trauma, silencing doubters, her relationship with Papoose, becoming a mother, defending her undisputed title July 26 & legacy.

Jul 22, 2025

Claressa Shields, an Olympic gold medalist and the GWOAT in boxing, opens up about her challenging upbringing in Flint, Michigan. She shares how adversity sparked her drive to succeed in a male-dominated sport. Claressa discusses her relationship with rapper Papoose and how their bond fuels her resilience. She explores the evolution of women's boxing, emphasizing skill over power, and reflects on the pressures of public scrutiny. With her next title defense looming, she reveals the personal motivations behind her dreams and the profound impact of motherhood on her life.

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ANECDOTE

Clarissa's Tough Flint Childhood

Clarissa Shields grew up in Flint, Michigan, sleeping on the floor defending her home.
Boxing became her path to protect and provide for her family and herself.

ANECDOTE

Why Boxing Called Claressa

Claressa first tried boxing at 11 because she was tired of losing in team sports.
Boxing gave her control, with wins and losses based solely on herself.

ANECDOTE

Boxing as Emotional Outlet

Sexual abuse contributed to Claressa's anger but so did hunger and lack of parental support.
Boxing gave her hope, a focused goal, and a way to channel her emotions.

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"The hardship and everything I went through created the fire inside, people don't understand the woman I am." Claressa Shields Heavyweight Undisputed Champion

In this powerful, no-holds-barred episode of The Pivot Podcast, the GWOAT herself—Claressa Shields—joins Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder, and Fred Taylor for one of her most personal interviews to date.

From surviving a tough upbringing in Flint, Michigan to becoming the only boxer—male or female—to be undisputed in two weight classes simultaneously, Claressa shares the raw truth behind her journey. She opens up about the pain that made her, the critics that tried to break her, and the constant pressure of being a Black woman at the top of one of the most male-dominated sports in the world.

But it’s not all about the ring. In a deeply personal moment, Claressa reveals the reason behind two of her early dreams: Becoming an Olympic medalist and buying a bed. Sleeping on the floor most of her childhood and always having to fight for acceptance led her to fight for what she wanted. Claressa also lets us in on her private life—specifically her relationship with rapper and hip-hop legend Papoose. She talks about the bond they’ve built, what his steady support means to her, and how love and loyalty outside the ring fuel her fight inside of it, even opening up on motherhood in the near future. It’s a side of Claressa the public rarely sees—vulnerable, grounded, and deeply human.

With her next undisputed title defense set for July 26 in Detroit, Claressa shares what’s driving her into this fight, why it feels more personal than ever, and how she's staying focused amid everything—from family to fame to legacy. She addresses the critics who’ve downplayed her success, and the media that still tries to put limits on her greatness while acknowledging that her journey is a lot like her male counterpart, Terrance Bud Crawford, who she calls he twin, not just in the fight game but in life too.

This isn't just another sports interview. It's a real conversation with one of the most dominant and dynamic athletes of our time—who’s still fighting for her respect, her people, and her place in history.

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