Though it may be all about Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, the upcoming MVP-Netflix card at the Cowboys Stadium promises to make it a night to remember for boxing purists as well. The crowd and millions of viewers across the world will be treated to a historic duel. Two years after leaving their marks at Madison Square Garden, Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor are poised to create yet another magic.

Serrano and Taylor will face off for the latter’s undisputed light welterweight title. Ahead of their match, the two champions had a chance to meet face-to-face and share their thoughts on their rematch. The discussion covered several topics, including a callout from undisputed champion Claressa Shields. The two-time Olympic gold medalist had issued an open challenge to settle the much debated ‘Greatest Woman of All Time’ (GWOAT) title. As their conversation unfolded, it became clear the matter could be viewed from different angles.

There’s enough room for all of us

Did Amanda Serrano’s response spark the ‘GWOAT’ issue? When asked for the reasons behind moving up a division to chase the 140-pound undisputed title, ‘The Real Deal’ replied, “I want to be great. I’m chasing greatness, and that’s what I want to do. Fighting Katie Taylor is just that, and you know, becoming a two-division undisputed champion would be amazing.”

Addressing Taylor, the host asked, “So Clarissa Shields actually challenged both of you females to see who’s the best woman’s fighter on Earth. What do you have to say about that, Katie?” The London Olympic gold medalist laughed it off. For her, the entire focus was on what lay ahead—the fight against Amanda Serrano. But Katie Taylor seemed a bit perplexed. Given the sheer weight difference, why Claressa Shields should call them out?

Nevertheless, she stressed that both she and Serrano were fighters who were willing to go against anyone. “I don’t understand how there can’t be just more than one great. You know, we’re all great in our own ways. We all bring different things to the women’s boxing. We’re bringing more eyes to the sport of women’s boxing, and I’m just so proud to always have been in the top three pound-for-pound.” Amanda Serrano made her pitch. Katie Taylor couldn’t have agreed more.

Highlighting Claressa Shields’ achievements in women’s boxing, ‘The Bray Bomber’ suggested that perhaps picking the best pound-for-pound best among the three of them would be highly subjective. Still, Katie Taylor felt honored to be included in such a pivotal conversation.

‘The Greatest’ conundrum

On July 27, Claressa Shields stepped into the ring to face Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse. Their light heavyweight duel occurred at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. It appears she wasn’t too pleased with Amanda Serrano’s usage of the term ‘GWOAT’.

At the pre-fight press conference, Shields took the opportunity to clear the air. Who deserves the ‘GWOAT’ status—all Amanda Serrano, Katie Taylor, and Alycia Baumgardner need to do is fight her. Highlighting how she can enter any weight class and win, Shields said, “Everybody talking about ‘who’s the GWOAT.’ Who’s undefeated?! Who got the most belts?! Who made the million dollars the last couple times she fought without a promoter giving her a handout?! That’s who the GWOAT is. Who fights the best?! Who doesn’t struggle in fights no matter what style?”

Claressa Shields puts women's boxing on notice. Calls out Amanda Serrano, Katie Taylor, Alycia Baumgardner. "I'm the GWOAT"
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She added further, “I’ll be winning Saturday night, and any of those girls who want to be the GWOAT, all you got to do is make a fight with me: Alycia Baumgardner, Amanda Serrano, and Katie Taylor. All you got to do is make a fight with me, and then I can show you you’re not the GWOAT for many reasons.“

Perhaps Amanda Serrano’s response best sums it all up: Women’s boxing has come a long way. Given where it stands today, there’s definitely a space for a few contemporary greats to stand together and collectively inspire the new generation.

What is your take on the ‘GWOAT’ debate? Who is your favorite woman boxer of all time?