Modern female combat sports have burst on the scene in recent years. While boxing has been there for years, MMA recently caught up to it. So, it’s natural to ask: Who is the greatest female fighter of all time? Who has taken combat sports by storm and left their mark? It seems Claressa Shields has pushed the debate among the fans, as she proclaimed herself as one.

Shields, 29, is undoubtedly one name fans and pundits put high on the list. After all, the American boxer has shattered many records and continues to do so. She announced herself on the boxing stage at 17 when she won the 2012 Olympic gold and then did the unthinkable, racking up another Olympic gold four years later in Rio. You can also point to her two amateur world championship golds, which only proliferated when ‘GWOAT’ turned pro. Now she is a 5-weight-class champion, which also includes an undisputed tag in two of them. She has done it all, but has she done enough to be proclaimed the best ever?

Claressa Shields puts herself ahead in the race

Shields, at 15-0, turned to her X handle and responded to Boxing Kingdom’s post, which asked for opinions about the greatest female fighter of all time. She pitched her name and wrote, “YOU KNOW! To me, I am!”

Interestingly, the Flint native has been vocal about her status and her legacy for some time now. She even once called her, only falling short behind Muhammad Ali. Shields had declared, “Muhammad Ali is first, and Claressa Shields is second. I am the greatest woman of all time, and 98 per cent of men in the world can’t beat me.” But what about the fans? How do they see her case?

Not a clear winner to fans

A fan backed her claim but also wanted to see a contest between Shields and Alycia Baumgardner. They wrote, “I believe you are but I want to see you vs Alycia Baumgardner.” The two fighters have been at each other’s throats for quite some time. However, their massive weight difference hinders the chances of a potential encounter.

A user believed the title should go to Laila Ali, daughter of Muhammad Ali. They noted, “I’m sure Laila Ali would have a different opinion.” Ali paved the way for female boxing by reigning supreme in the super middleweight division for almost a decade. She also retired with an unblemished record of 24-0.

Someone put Shields’ record against Amanda Serrano and argued that it was the former who was “better”. They claimed, “Better than Amanda Serrano for sure in my eyes !!” The Puerto Rican has had a lengthy career but dropped a couple of fights, while Shields still has a spotless career.

A comment pointed out the difference between boxing and combat sports and contended that Shields was clear in boxing. But she fell short in combat sports. The comment read, “Boxer yes, combat sports no.” Notably, the two-time undisputed champion has tried her hands in MMA too but has a mixed record of 2-1. Another fan contested the same argument and maintained, “Boxer, yes! Fighter, has yet to be proven in MMA.”

Lastly, another user had a different name: former two-division UFC champion Amanda Nunes. They commented, “Amanda nunes for me.” The Brazilian fighter has the most KO wins in UFC women’s history, the most title fights, and many more records.

What do you make of Claressa Shields’ claim? Who is your pick for the greatest female fighter of all time? Let us know in the comments below.