“For sure we’d love to have you in attendance, champ! This is all about the women, and no way can we be about it without having the GWOAT in attendance,” said Amanda Serrano as she extended an open invitation to Claressa Shields. On July 11, at Madison Square Garden, the Puerto Rican seven-division champion is slated to face archrival Katie Taylor for the third time.

Her rivalry with the Irish Olympian and undisputed super lightweight champion has attained a folklore status in women’s boxing. But as it happens frequently, the chase to greatness often spins out parallel narratives. One of the most talked-about remains the comparison with Claressa Shields. Her recent feat, wherein she became the sport’s first three-division undisputed champion, has made Shields the most dominant voice in women’s boxing. So the landscape is littered with doubts. How does the fight with Serrano unfold? Or will they ever fight? So it was high time Serrano took the bull by the horns and put the debate to rest.

Amanda Serrano: There’s room for everyone to shine

Sharing a picture that featured her standing beside Claressa Shields, Amanda Serrano wondered, “Not sure why ppl keep comparing or asking who is better, myself or @Claressashields.” She added, “She is an amazing fighter with high accolades.” But then she drew a clear line. They fight in different weight classes and have different builds. Comparing them is apples to oranges. A fight between them is unrealistic. She’s not willing to go higher than 140 lbs., and she doubted if Shields would come down that far.

“Not sure it makes sense for either one of us to be compared. I will never go over 140 lb., which is already 3 divisions past my best weight of 126, where I’m champion, & I believe she can’t make 140,” said the Puerto Rican icon. She made it clear that she doesn’t need a mega-fight with Shields to validate her career. She’s not chasing anything anymore. Legacy- and bank-wise, she’s good where she is.

Advocating for diversity in recognition, she stressed elevating the entire sport, not just two names. People should stop treating women’s boxing like it’s a one-woman show.

A quiet reverence for one another’s greatness

Though sounding playful and candid, Claressa Shields gave a respectful response. “100% right, I can not make 140 nothing 😂😂😂. 154 is my lowest,” she said before giving Serrano her flowers while also recognizing Katie Taylor. “But the past 4 years, the top 3 women in boxing have been myself, @KatieTaylor, & you! Keep it up!”

The mutual admiration rounds continued. “Honestly, for me it’s an honor to be mentioned beside you & Katie. Both of you guys have raised the game, & I’ve never had a problem with whatever placing I’m put in,” said Amanda Serrano in her response.

Perhaps it’s time the unwarranted comparison between Claressa Shields and Amanda Serrano should be put to rest. Even otherwise, a fight between the two sounds too pretentious. During her fifteen-year-long career, Serrano fought through seven weight classes. She maxed out at 140 pounds. Last November’s rematch with Katie Taylor was a light welterweight bout.

On the other hand, Claressa Shields has already made inroads in the heavyweight division. So to expect her to drop down to 140 pounds sounds extremely unreasonable. Even otherwise, in the quest for challenges, she has expressed willingness to fight at 154 pounds as well.

So the big question remains: Will Amanda Serrano take a risk and climb up a division for a mega fight with Claressa Shields?