One on One Interview with Claressa Shields by Blanca Gutierrez

(JULY 28) This week I got an opportunity to interview two-times Olympic Gold Medalist and USA Champion boxer Claressa Shields who is breaking barriers in women’s boxing in the USA.  Since Shields won two Gold medals back to back, the only USA boxer to ever accomplish this. Women’s boxing now has the momentum and credibility needed to take it to the next level.   Many women pioneers have worked hard, sacrificed much, struggled to influence promoters to book them on television and big fight cards.

Recently, standouts like Amanda Serrano and Heather Hardy have been able to also break barriers with a true believer in female boxing, Promoter Lou Dibella, who has put them both on major fight cards at the Barclays in New York. Yet, the face of women’s boxing is Claressa Shields and not only is she fighting for the WBC Super middleweight world title versus Niki Adler August 4th. She is fighting for the financial equality for women boxers and plans to take a “whole generation of women boxers” with her. Here is my interview with Claressa Shields.

Blanca: You have made what it seems like a smooth transition from amateur to professional boxing. How do you like the Pro fight game compared to fighting as an Amateur? What is the biggest difference for you?

Claressa: I like fighting pro, I like fighting on TV and being paid to fight. I love the fight fans, especially in Vegas! The biggest difference to me is the no head gear, the head butts are deadly! I’ve been adjusting to the more rounds pretty well. So I enjoy being able to perform longer.

Blanca: How has your training camp been going? Have you changed anything up for this fight because it’s against a 16-0 World Champion?

Claressa: My training went well, strict diet, not because of weight but because of just being healthy! I weigh 162 right now. Me and my coach are always concerned about being in shape, so I ran more this camp, also a lot more recovery, and making sure I stay hydrated! I never train for my opponents, I watch them, And I just see their strong and weak points, and continuing sharpening my tools. I train to beat myself, always. I’m the best.

Blanca: You won your first belt a NABF title on your second fight. You will be fighting for a WBC world title on your 4th fight. Other boxers may say you weren’t in line for that title. Why do you think it’s so important not only for you but for you but for women’s boxing that you fight for the WBC World title on your 4th professional fight?

Claressa:  It will be my 4th professional fight, and boxers and people say a lot of things, especially about me! But all that matters is that I’m ready for the World title and I can win it! Anybody who says they were next in line, they probably were! But my team more than likely sent them a contract to fight me, not my fault if they declined.

Blanca: Your opponent Nikki Adler says she has never seen you fight. Do you believe her?

Claressa: Hahaha no I don’t believe her. She has seen my fight. It’s a mind game for her. She watched me win both Olympics, it’s an article that says it. But if she hasn’t watched me box, that’s her problem not mine! She gonna be in a world of trouble that for sure!

Blanca: Your opponent Nikki Adler says “America be prepared for your champion to lose.” Do you have anything to say to her fans in Germany?

Claressa: Tune in for the fight on Showtime! I want Germany fans to know that even though their Champ loss! The belts will be good hands! Become my fans!

Blanca: USA women boxers in your division have turned down the opportunities to fight you. Who do you think would be the most competitive fight for you in the Super middleweight division in the USA and why?

Claressa: Well at super middleweight I really don’t know. We have Maricela Cornejo, Kali Reis, Tori Nelson, Latondria jones, but I don’t think any of them can give me a run for my money.

Blanca: You are so confident and sure of yourself. You are a great role model to young women. With all the struggles in your life, where did you get such a solid mental foundation?

Claressa: My mental foundation comes from God blessing me with a strong mind at a young age, I’ve always been determined,

Never discouraged no matter what life put me thru. I always felt that as long as I trained hard and dedicate my life to God and Boxing that ONE DAY! My life would be better! I put my trust in him! And on top of that! He has blessed me a gift, there are a lot of men who can’t box better than me. I take pride in that! And I continuously never let up in the gym and I train very very hard!

Blanca: You are extremely visible not only in Flint but around the world now. What is your biggest message for the people watching & following your career?

Claressa: My biggest message to people watching me is do not be afraid to be different and be real! Work hard, give God the praise the Glory, win, smile, inspire. I want more people who are going thru what I went thru or even worse or just life to know, there is sunshine after a storm. It’s a rainbow. Don’t let the bad days break them! Keep believing keep fighting.

Blanca: Where can people reach out to you on social media?

Claressa: My social media is all Claressa Shields. @Claressashields on IG, @claressashields on Twitter, Claressa shields on Facebook

Thank you for the interview Champ. Bring that WBC strap back to the USA where it belongs.