Claressa Shields Calls Out ESPN for Overlooking Her Achievements as a 15-Time Boxing Champion: “Is My Resume Not Enough?”

**Claressa Shields Calls Out ESPN for Exclusion in Trailblazing Athletes List**

In a recent stir within the sports community, boxing champion Claressa Shields took to social media to express her displeasure with ESPN. The sports network unveiled a graphic celebrating notable female athletes in a segment called “Trailblazing Athletes,” featuring icons such as Simone Biles, Serena Williams, Katie Ledecky, and Caitlin Clark. However, one significant name was notably absent from the tribute: Claressa Shields herself.

Shields, widely recognized as a two-time Olympic gold medalist and multiple world boxing champion, made it clear that she felt slighted by ESPN’s omission. With her storied career, including groundbreaking accomplishments in women’s boxing, her absence from the influential list was met with confusion and frustration. The champion hasn’t historically shied away from speaking her mind, and this time was no different. She posted a striking image of herself surrounded by an impressive collection of championship belts and Olympic medals, showcasing her extensive achievements.

“Wow @espn Y’all have really lost yall mind!!!!! Do I have to run my resume down to y’all!!! 2x Olympic champ, 3x Undisputed champ, 5-weight world champion, 15x world champ, WOMENS BOXING Trailblazer,” Shields tweeted, directing her disappointment toward the sports giant and notably emphasizing her credentials.

For context, Claressa Shields stepped into the boxing arena at the tender age of 17 and quickly made history by winning gold at the 2012 London Olympics as the first American woman to claim that title. She didn’t stop there, returning to the Olympic stage in 2016 to secure her second gold medal in Rio, solidifying her status as a powerhouse in the sport. Since those pivotal moments, Shields has ascended to become a five-division world champion, achieving an unprecedented milestone by holding undisputed titles across two weight classes simultaneously.

Her achievements continued to grow, with a recent significant victory in July when she moved up to heavyweight to face Canadian Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse. Shields, naturally a middleweight, demonstrated her prowess by winning both the WBO light-heavyweight and the WBC heavyweight titles through a technical knockout in the second round—a remarkable feat underscoring her versatility as an athlete.

Shields’ impressive narrative is set to be further highlighted in the upcoming film “The Fire Inside,” where actress Ryan Destiny will portray her journey, bringing more attention to her impactful legacy.

The frustration expressed by Shields echoes a broader sentiment within the realm of women’s sports, as female athletes often find their achievements overshadowed by their male counterparts. With the significant strides they make, it’s essential to recognize and celebrate their contributions fully. As of now, ESPN has yet to respond to Shields’ statements, leaving fans and followers eager to see how this conversation will evolve within the sports landscape.

Claressa Shields’ determination and vocal advocacy for recognition stand as a testament to her status as a true trailblazer in boxing, pushing for acknowledgment and equality for women in sports.