Floyd Mayweather, the undefeated boxing legend and one of the most recognizable figures in combat sports history, has publicly anointed Claressa Shields as the undisputed queen of boxing, declaring her “number one” in the sport following her latest victory. In a rare and emphatic endorsement, Mayweather did not hold back his admiration for the two-time Olympic gold medalist and multiple-division world champion, calling her “truly unbelievable” and urging the entire boxing world to rally behind her. The statement, captured on video and released by Fight Hype TV, has sent shockwaves through the boxing community, reigniting debates about who truly deserves the title of the best female fighter on the planet.
Mayweather’s praise came after Shields’ most recent fight, a dominant performance that further cemented her legacy as a pioneer in women’s boxing. Speaking with visible emotion, Mayweather emphasized not just Shields’ athletic prowess but her significance as a black woman in a sport that has historically marginalized female athletes. “You know, just a woman period, but a black woman,” Mayweather said.
“A black woman to win the Olympics twice. To come to a sport, a dying sport. And you got other women in the sport not giving her her credit.
She’s the best in the sport right now.” His words carry immense weight given his own status as a five-division world champion and the architect of the most lucrative pay-per-view events in history.
The video transcript reveals Mayweather’s full-throated support for Shields, who has often faced criticism and underappreciation from within the boxing establishment. He highlighted her hand speed, her combinations, and her outspoken personality as assets that make her a transcendent figure. “She’s super super talented.
Hand speed. A lot of combinations. She’s the best out there,” Mayweather declared.
He then issued a direct call to action: “I need everybody that’s watching right now. Tune in tomorrow. Support her.
Continue to support her. I’m behind her 100%.” This level of endorsement from Mayweather, who rarely bestows such praise on active fighters, signals a seismic shift in how the sport’s elite view Shields’ place in history.
Claressa Shields, known as “T-Rex” and “The GWOAT” (Greatest Woman of All Time), has built a career defined by unprecedented achievements. She is the only American boxer, male or female, to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals, capturing the middleweight title in London 2012 and the heavyweight gold in Rio 2016. Since turning professional, she has unified multiple weight divisions, becoming the undisputed champion at middleweight, super middleweight, and light heavyweight.
Her record stands at 14-0 with 2 knockouts, but her dominance extends far beyond statistics. She has consistently called out the best competition, often fighting in weight classes above her natural size to prove her superiority.
Yet despite her accolades, Shields has frequently been overlooked in mainstream boxing conversations, overshadowed by male stars and even some female contemporaries. Mayweather’s intervention directly addresses this disparity. He specifically called out “other women in the sport not giving her her credit,” a clear reference to ongoing rivalries and public feuds with fighters like Savannah Marshall and others.
The tension reached a peak in 2022 when Shields defeated Marshall in a historic all-female main event at the O2 Arena in London, a fight that drew massive global attention but still failed to secure the same financial rewards as top male bouts.
The video also features other influential figures rallying behind Shields. The transcript mentions “legendary Big Meech” – a reference to Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory, the infamous former 𝒹𝓇𝓊𝑔 kingpin turned cultural icon – as well as DJ Why and Big Reese from Fight Hype TV. Their presence underscores the cross-cultural appeal of Shields, who has transcended sports to become a symbol of resilience and empowerment.
Big Meech’s involvement, in particular, signals that Shields’ influence now extends into hip-hop and street culture, a domain traditionally dominated by male boxers like Mayweather himself.
Shields’ upcoming fight, which Mayweather urged fans to tune into, is expected to be another milestone in her career. While details remain under wraps, sources close to the camp indicate she is targeting a return to the ring in early 2025, possibly against a top contender from the middleweight division. The fight will be broadcast on a major platform, and Mayweather’s endorsement is likely to boost viewership significantly.
His call for unity among boxing fans – “Continue to support her” – reflects a broader effort to elevate women’s boxing to the same level of commercial success as the men’s side.
The timing of Mayweather’s statement is critical. Women’s boxing is experiencing a renaissance, fueled by stars like Shields, Amanda Serrano, Katie Taylor, and Seniesa Estrada. However, pay disparities and promotional challenges persist.
Mayweather, who has built a fortune on self-promotion and shrewd business moves, is now using his platform to advocate for Shields. This could open doors for more lucrative sponsorship deals, higher purses, and greater media coverage. It also places pressure on other promoters and networks to invest in female fighters.
Reaction from the boxing world has been swift. Social media erupted with fans and analysts dissecting Mayweather’s words. Some noted the irony of Mayweather, who has been criticized for his own controversial statements about women in the past, now championing a female fighter.
Others praised him for recognizing greatness regardless of gender. “Floyd knows talent when he sees it,” wrote one commentator. “If he says Claressa is number one, then she is number one.”
Shields herself responded on Instagram, posting a clip of Mayweather’s speech with the caption: “When the GOAT speaks, you listen. Thank you @floydmayweather for seeing the real. I’ve been saying it for years.
I am the best.”
The endorsement also reignites the debate over who is the greatest female boxer of all time. While Taylor and Serrano have their own claims, Mayweather’s backing of Shields as “the best in the sport right now” suggests he believes she stands alone at the top. His reference to her Olympic double – a feat no other American boxer has matched – adds a layer of historical weight.
“You know, just a woman period, but a black woman,” he repeated, emphasizing the intersectional challenges she has overcome. In a sport where black women have often been marginalized, Shields’ success is a powerful narrative.
As the breaking news spreads, Fight Hype TV’s video has already garnered millions of views. The channel, known for its raw, unfiltered coverage of boxing, has become a go-to source for insider perspectives. DJ Why and Big Reese, the hosts, framed Mayweather’s comments as a “huge moment” for the sport.
“This is legendary,” Big Reese said. “Big Meech, Floyd, all of them coming together to support Claressa? That’s history.”
The video ends with a call to action: “Tune in tomorrow. Support her. She’s number one.”
For Shields, this is validation from the highest authority in boxing. Mayweather’s words will likely be used in promotional materials for her next fight, and they may shift the narrative around her career. No longer can critics dismiss her as merely a great female boxer; she is now being hailed by the greatest male boxer of his generation.
The question that remains is whether the industry will follow Mayweather’s lead and give Shields the financial and cultural recognition she deserves.
In the coming days, expect Shields to hold a press conference addressing Mayweather’s praise. Expect also a flurry of activity from rival camps, with fighters like Marshall and Serrano likely to respond. But for now, the spotlight is firmly on Claressa Shields, the two-time Olympic gold medalist, the undisputed champion, and – according to Floyd Mayweather – the number one fighter in the world.
The breaking news is clear: the GWOAT has received the ultimate seal of approval. And the entire boxing world is watching.
