Claressa Shields isn’t just a boxer — she’s a phenomenon. The self-proclaimed GWOAT (Greatest Woman of All Time) is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, the first boxer (male or female) to hold all four major world titles in two weight classes simultaneously, and a trailblazer for women in combat sports.
She’s known for her unapologetic confidence, relentless work ethic, and refusal to be overlooked. Her quotes are as sharp and fearless as her jabs — full of wisdom, strength, and pride. Whether she’s standing up for herself in the ring or for women’s equality outside of it, her words matter.
Here’s the most comprehensive collection of Claressa Shields quotes, with insights into her mindset, career, and impact.
💥 I. Claressa Shields on Confidence & Greatness
🗣️ 1. “I am the greatest woman of all time. Period.”
This isn’t just a catchphrase — it’s a declaration. Claressa owns her greatness, and she doesn’t wait for others to crown her.
Why it matters: In a male-dominated sport, Shields has had to claim respect that isn’t always freely given to women. She didn’t wait for validation — she demanded it.
🥇 2. “I didn’t come to take part. I came to take over.”
Why it matters: Shields didn’t step into boxing to blend in or “do her best” — she entered to dominate, break records, and change the game.
💯 3. “They say I talk too much. No, I talk just enough. Because I back it up.”
Confidence in Claressa’s world is earned, not assumed. And she’s backed up her talk with titles, knockouts, and history-making performances.
🧠 4. “Confidence comes from the work you put in when no one is watching.”
Why it matters: This quote pulls the curtain back on what fuels her self-belief: discipline, preparation, and sacrifice. It’s a motivational mantra for athletes of any level.
🥊 II. Claressa Shields on Women in Sports
🟣 5. “Women’s boxing has always been great. We just never got the recognition.”
Why it matters: Shields shines a light on the historic neglect of female boxers, calling for long-overdue respect and promotion for women in combat sports.
👑 6. “I don’t want to be the only one eating at the table. I want more women to sit down with me.”
Why it matters: A true champion lifts others up. Shields isn’t only fighting for her own legacy — she’s fighting for equality and visibility for all women in boxing.
⚖️ 7. “They put women on the undercard, and we steal the show.”
Why it matters: Shields has often had to prove that women’s matches can draw just as much attention — and excitement — as men’s fights.
🔥 III. Claressa Shields on Fighting & Mindset
💭 8. “You’ve gotta be fearless. You’ve gotta be focused. You’ve gotta believe you’re the best — even if nobody else does.”
Why it matters: This encapsulates her mental toughness. Even when doubted or dismissed, Shields keeps her sights on greatness.
🧊 9. “I’m not afraid of pressure — I’m built for it.”
Why it matters: Pressure doesn’t break her. It fuels her. This is the mindset of a champion — seeing pressure not as a threat but as opportunity.
⚔️ 10. “They can doubt me. That just gives me more to prove.”
Critics don’t discourage her — they motivate her. Her career is a masterclass in using negativity as fuel for victory.
🚫 11. “I don’t fight for the crowd. I fight for the win.”
Why it matters: She isn’t here for applause. She’s here for legacy, for belts, for respect. A reminder to focus on goals, not noise.
👧🏾 IV. Claressa Shields on Her Roots & Struggles
💬 12. “I came from Flint. I came from nothing. But I had heart.”
Why it matters: Raised in Flint, Michigan, with a challenging upbringing, Claressa’s story is one of resilience and survival. Her rise wasn’t easy, but it was fueled by grit.
👊 13. “Boxing saved my life. It gave me something to fight for — and fight through.”
Why it matters: Sports became her escape and empowerment. For Shields, the ring wasn’t just a career — it was a lifeline.
💔 14. “They laughed at me. They told me girls can’t box. But I kept swinging.”
Why it matters: Every punch she threw as a child was a punch against stereotypes and limitations. Shields had to fight for her right to even be in the ring.
👩🚀 V. Claressa Shields on Breaking Boundaries
🛑 15. “I’m not just a boxer. I’m a history-maker.”
Why it matters: Shields has accomplished what no man or woman in boxing ever has — becoming the undisputed champion in multiple weight classes. She’s redefining the sport.
🌍 16. “I don’t want to be the best female boxer. I want to be the best — period.”
Why it matters: She rejects qualifiers. Shields isn’t content being great “for a woman” — she demands to be seen among the best, regardless of gender.
🧠 17. “When you see me, you see strength. You see skill. You see something new.”
Why it matters: Shields represents a new generation — bold, talented, and unshakable. She embodies the shift in how female athletes see themselves and demand to be seen.
🎤 VI. Claressa Shields on Haters & Humility
😤 18. “I’m not cocky. I’m confident. There’s a difference.”
Why it matters: Shields draws a line between arrogance and self-belief. She’s earned her confidence, and she owns it without apology.
👀 19. “If you don’t like me, just say you’re not ready for women like me.”
Why it matters: She calls out bias and discomfort with strong women directly. Instead of shrinking, she shines brighter in the face of resistance.
🪞 20. “I don’t try to be perfect. I try to be real.”
Why it matters: In a world of curated images, Shields keeps it authentic. She’s open about her struggles, mistakes, and evolution — and that’s part of her power.
🧠 VII. Claressa Shields on Legacy
📚 21. “I want little girls to say, ‘I want to be like Claressa Shields.’”
Why it matters: She’s not just focused on records — she’s building a legacy of inspiration, especially for young girls from underrepresented backgrounds.
🕊️ 22. “My name will be in history books. I’m making sure of it.”
Why it matters: This isn’t ego — it’s intentional legacy-building. Claressa is shaping not only her story, but how the world tells it after she’s gone.
More Claressa Shields Quotes
“I’m carrying the sport of women’s boxing and I am the best woman fighter and that’s my role.”
“My life is way bigger than boxing or acting or being rich or being famous or endorsements.”
“At the end of the day, no matter what you do, there will be somebody that don’t like you. You don’t have to like me, but you will respect what I do.”
“I always tell my story because I want others who have felt broken to know they can make it.”
“I’m just the undisputed champion – I am great as I think I am and I’ve been able to prove it by taking on these big challenges and beating these girls who they say cannot be beaten.”
“I’ve always had heart to get in there and fight. I was taught everything I knew.”
“Boxing gave me self-confidence that I didn’t have growing up. When I was young, I was super quiet and I didn’t trust anybody.”
“My coach never looked at me as a female fighter, but just as a fighter, as someone he was training. I had to work just as hard as the guys, or harder than them.”
“There’s not a woman in this world that can beat me if we put on a pair of gloves and we fight.”
“I work hard, really hard. If I was a man, I would probably be one of the most famous boxers out there. There is a gender gap. We all know it. I’m working towards changing that.”
🌟 Final Thoughts
Claressa Shields is more than an athlete. She is:
A fighter
A feminist icon
A role model
A history-maker
A voice for the voiceless
Her quotes are full of fire, honesty, and purpose — reflecting a woman who not only breaks barriers but builds bridges for those who follow.
She doesn’t whisper her greatness. She declares it. She earns it. She embodies it.
📢 Which Claressa Shields quote inspires you most?
Share it in the comments, or repost with the hashtag #GWOATQuotes.
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Ugur is an editor and writer at Need Some Fun (NSF News), covering world news, history, archaeology, cultural heritage, science, entertainment, travel, animals, health, and games. He delivers well-researched and credible stories to inform and entertain readers worldwide. Contact: [email protected]
