It likely came as a surprise to many. A few days ago, Terence Crawford weighed in on a long-running debate in the world of women’s boxing: Who is the greatest of all time – Laila Ali or Claressa Shields? Typically, Claressa Shields is quick to respond when her name is mentioned in such high-stakes discussions. But for nearly a week, there was silence. Some may have thought Crawford’s praise slipped under the radar of the multi-division champion. But that wasn’t the case.
Claressa Shields has responded. Loud and clear. Taking to Twitter, Shields shared the clip from Crawford’s recent appearance on ‘Club Shay Shay.’ The exchange occurred at the end of the interview, when host Shannon Sharpe brought up her name. The timing of the praise is particularly significant. In recent weeks, Shields has been in the spotlight for trading verbal jabs with fellow fighters Amanda Serrano and Alycia Baumgardner. Against that backdrop, Crawford’s endorsement serves as a powerful reaffirmation of what Shields and her supporters have long maintained: when it comes to women’s boxing, she stands alone at the top.
Claressa Shields: There’s no question about it
“ALL FACTS!!!!” tagging the ‘Club Shay Shay’ post that featured the viral clip, Shields wrote in her tweet. It displayed the footage where Shannon Sharpe asked Terence Crawford, “Clarissa Shields, I don’t think there’s really any question that she’s the best woman boxer today.” But before Sharpe could continue, Crawford jumped in, “Of all time.”
The response baffled the former NFL tight end. “You’re putting her over Laila Ali?” he asked Crawford. The former undisputed refused to budge from his stand. “All time,” he repeated, then added, “and I love Laila.” Sharpe pressed further, asking how Shields compares to another icon, Christy Martin. After all, ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’ was a trailblazer. Reportedly, she inspired Laila Ali herself to take up boxing.
Yet Crawford doubled down on his position. “All time…there’s no comparison…at all all time,” he said emphatically. “I love Laila too…but ain’t nobody coming close to Clarissa…two-time Olympic gold medalist…three-time undisputed.” He briefly stumbled over the exact number of divisions Shields has dominated. But his message was clear: Claressa Shields is in a league of her own.
To provide some context, both Crawford and Sharpe acknowledged that women’s boxing, especially at higher weight classes, has historically offered fewer opportunities than men’s boxing. But despite these limitations, Shields has carved out an exceptional legacy. “She’s the best of what’s out there, of what’s ever been out there.”
Why does it carry so much meaning?
This praise carries extra weight considering the source. Terence Crawford is a two-division undisputed champion and a future Hall of Famer. As he gears up for what many see as one of the biggest fights of the modern era, his endorsement of Shields is more than just a compliment. It’s a career-defining validation.
What makes Crawford’s words even more impactful is the ongoing tension between Shields and Laila Ali. Following her victory over Danielle Perkins on February 2, Shields reignited their rivalry by saying, “I love to bring Savannah Marshall to the USA and tap that a** again, um, really, and it’s always on the table if Cris Cyborg or Laila Ali want to fight.”
At 47 and nearly two decades into retirement, it’s unlikely that Laila Ali will step into the ring again. But for fans who have long debated the GOAT in women’s boxing, hearing Crawford declare Shields the greatest of all time must have been music to their ears.
What do you think? Do you agree with Terence Crawford’s take on Claressa Shields’ legacy?
