Claressa Shields, one of the most decorated female boxers in history, has reignited her feud with MMA legend Cris Cyborg, stating she is ready to face her in a boxing ring in 2025. Claressa Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and five-weight world champion, dismissed the possibility of an MMA showdown but boldly declared she would defeat Cyborg in a street fight.
The once-friendly relationship between Shields and Cyborg soured in recent years, with tensions escalating in 2024 after Cyborg challenged Shields to a bout in either the boxing ring or the PFL cage. Shields responded sharply during a recent appearance on the Pound 4 Pound podcast, accusing Cyborg of seeking publicity.
“She wants the clout,” Shields remarked. “Nobody is paying attention to Cris Cyborg anymore. She’s old news, and I’m the one making headlines. When we sparred, I dominated her, easy. She’s lucky I didn’t knock her out back then.”
Despite the escalating war of words, Shields clarified she has no intention of stepping back into MMA. Shields has limited experience in mixed martial arts, with a 2-1 record in the PFL, and acknowledged Cyborg’s significant advantage in the sport.
“Why would I fight her in MMA? She’s got too much experience,” Shields admitted. “Boxing is a fairer fight. In MMA, she’s got punches, kicks, elbows, knees, and the ground game. I’ve only trained MMA for about two years. But in a boxing ring? I’d dominate her.”
Cyborg, a former UFC champion, holds a 4-0 professional boxing record, making her one of the most versatile fighters in combat sports. However, Shields is confident her superior boxing skills would give her a decisive edge in a head-to-head matchup.
“I’m bigger, stronger, and better than her,” Shields declared. “She said she wants to fight at 154 pounds. Well, I fight at heavyweight on February 2 in Flint, Michigan, for the undisputed championship. After that, she can get her ass kicked the next day if she wants. It’s not hard to make a fight with me.”
While a fight between the two champions remains unconfirmed, Shields’ strong words have added fuel to the fire. Whether the showdown takes place in a boxing ring or elsewhere, it promises to be a clash of titans fans won’t want to miss.
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