FLINT, MI — In a move that has sent shockwaves through the boxing world and ignited a fierce debate across social media, ESPN has officially named Claressa “GWOAT” Shields as the top pound-for-pound American heavyweight, regardless of gender.
While the “Greatest Woman of All Time” has long occupied the #1 spot on female P4P lists, this latest distinction marks a historic shift in how combat sports achievements are quantified. Shields now sits atop a list that traditionally featured the likes of Deontay Wilder or Jared Anderson, signaling a new era where “undisputed” means exactly what it says, absolute dominance.
A Career Built on “Firsts”
To understand how Shields reached this pinnacle, one must look at a resume that reads like a work of fiction. Before she ever stepped into a professional ring, the Flint, Michigan native had already secured her place in history.
Speed-Running Greatness: She holds the record for becoming a two, three, and four-division world champion in the fewest professional fights, often clearing out entire divisions before her peers have even reached contender status.
The Olympic Standard: Shields is the only American boxer, male or female, to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals (London 2012 and Rio 2016).
The “Undisputed” Hat Trick: In the professional ranks, she has achieved the unthinkable, becoming the undisputed champion in three different weight classes, Middleweight, Super Welterweight, and most recently, Heavyweight.
The Heavyweight Ascent
Shields’ recent move into the heavyweight division wasn’t just a weight jump, it was a statement. After conquering the lower divisions, she moved up to face bigger, heavier opponents, culminating in her recent undisputed victory. As of today, her professional record stands at a perfect 17-0, with her most recent defense against Lani Daniels in July 2025 proving that her speed and technical prowess translate seamlessly to the sports’ glamour division.
“I look forward to the day when she appears on the top pound-for-pound list among the men with no gender labels,” her manager, Mark Taffet, famously said years ago. Today, that day has arrived.
What’s Next For The GWOAT?
The timing of ESPN’s ranking couldn’t be more poignant. Shields is currently preparing for a highly anticipated rematch against Franchón Crews-Dezurn on February 22 at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. While Shields won their first encounter in their professional debuts back in 2016, both have since become legends.
With this new “Top American Heavyweight” title around her waist, the target on Shields’ back has never been larger. However, if history is any indication, “T-Rex” doesn’t just survive the pressure, she thrives on it.
