Outspoken Americans Claressa Shields and Alycia Baumgardner continue their rivalry
Undisputed reigning super middleweight star Claressa Shields isn’t one to back down from a challenge and so it proved this past weekend when she ran into undisputed super featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner and engaged in a heated clash ringside at the Richardson Hitchins vs Gustavo Lemos event on Saturday, April 6.
Baumgardner called out Shields on social media and she fired back to say ‘I will fight – and beat – her at any weight class.’
During the weekend’s fight, tensions flared in the audience as the undisputed Americans engaged in a heated confrontation after the main event had concluded.
Amidst the heated exchange, Baumgardner accused the Michigander of attempting to emulate her. This escalated the confrontation, leading Baumgardner to label Shields as “insecure”, who responded by aggressively swatting her hand away from her face.
A post on X by Matchroom shares footage from DAZN which captured the confrontation.
“Goes off ringside between @alyciambaum & @Claressashields #HitchinsLemos”
The controversy between the two leading female boxers and former allies has undoubtedly stirred excitement among fans. However, the lingering issue remains the significant difference in their respective weights.
Claressa also has an ongoing beef with Brit Savannah Marshall. The pair fought back in 2022 and though Shields took the win, many would love to see a rematch – there is even a possibility it could happen in the octagon as both are also competing in MMA.