Perhaps, with no sign of Claressa Shields raising the olive branch, it was time Team Jake Paul and MVP decided to set the record straight and bring the matter to an end. Though it’s been a few years since it began, witnessing some of the most colorful exchanges, the world champion and MVP camp’s beef intensified particularly during the last few days.
For a change, the initial rounds had Shields and Amanda Serrano talking about the weather. It delighted the fans. However, they were taken aback when Shields went full throttle, following MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian’s recent comments that seemingly questioned her legacy. The backstory of Shields reportedly seeking a ticket for the Serrano-Katie Taylor trilogy tickled briefly. But for how long are you going to overlook and respond every time a post appears? In this strange tale of social media squabble, the MVP team decided to take up the cudgels and lodge a parting shot.
Jake Paul: Hitting the nail on the head
“Big boss has spoken,” Jake Paul said. His words basically followed Amanda Serrano’s powerful retort. On July 11, the Puerto Rican multi-division champion will meet rival Katie Taylor for the third time. However, time and again, she found her name pitted against Claressa Shields. The cognoscenti are aware. Even if the two sides agree, primarily on account of the sheer weight difference, the potential fight faces a huge hurdle.
So as much as they are aware of the fact, Serrano and several others have time and again highlighted, there’s no need to take the rivalry to the ring. Shields, Serrano, Taylor, and others are all true champions in their own spheres. Each of them has earned recognition in their field. So there’s no reason to collide.
But it seems the banter somehow touched a raw nerve. So calling out Shields directly, Serrano said, “Claressa, you are one of the best, and I will always admire what you have accomplished.” But there’s a problem. Over the years, Shields has expressed nothing but disrespect to those who care about her and want to take women’s boxing to the next level, according to her.
“Over the past 3 years you have constantly made disrespectful comments about my company, my promoter, my accomplishments, and the people I care about, who have changed my life and have made it a point to support women’s boxing on the biggest stages possible,” Amanda Serrano said.
So it was time Shields understood. They no longer walk the same road. It’s better to leave things where they stood. Serrano concluded, “It’s time to recognize this and move forward on separate paths. I will always be a big fan of your in-ring accomplishments. Stay Well.”
Of course, Jake Paul’s post attracted a fair share of comments and reactions. However, by adding feelings to his star charge’s hard-hitting realization, it’s clear where things currently stand.
Separate paths to greatness
Earlier, while highlighting the challenges to their potential showdown, Serrano made her stance clear and appreciated how, including herself, everyone holds Shields in high regard. Her accomplishments remain unmatched. To her credit, the two-time Olympic gold medalist appreciated the attempt and ended the discussion by jokingly seeking a ticket for Serrano’s upcoming fight.
Perhaps there’s some point in what Amada Serrano said. The highest division Serrano ever climbed was 147 pounds. Shields, on the other hand, made it to the heavyweight division and became an undisputed champion for the third time. Per her own confession, the lowest she can drop to is 154 pounds. Thus any chance of a clash remains unrealistic.
It’s understandable. Especially at higher divisions, there’s an apparent lack of competition in women’s boxing. So Shields might have to readjust her weight so she can continue to challenge herself and cement her great legacy further.
Do you foresee the Claressa Shields-MVP squabble continuing for some more time?
