Claressa Shields recently paid tribute to the legendary Katie Taylor, acknowledging her status as one of the sport’s all‑time greats and expressing no bitterness that a showdown between the two titans never materialised. Taylor, who is set to step into the ring for what is being billed as her farewell bout, will face Flora Pili in an undisputed super‑lightweight world title clash at Dublin’s iconic Croke Park this weekend.

The arena is expected to be packed with more than 80,000 spectators, all eager to witness the Irish icon—an Olympic gold‑medallist, a two‑division undisputed champion, and widely recognised as the greatest female boxer in history—hang up her gloves for the final time. Shields, a five‑division world champion, has emerged as perhaps the closest rival to Taylor’s towering reputation at the very top of women’s boxing. In a candid interview with Sky Sports, Shields explained her perspective on the ongoing debate about who is truly number one. “Am I number one?

I’ve always shared that title with Katie,” she said, smiling. “We joke that we’re 1A and 1B because we’re both that good.” She went on to note that she never really fixates on pound‑for‑pound rankings, even though she has hovered near the top of those lists for the past five or six years. “I know I’ve been number one or two on there for a long time,” Shields added, “but I also know Katie is a phenomenal fighter, a true warrior.

I wish her a happy retirement and hope she gets a big knockout in her last fight.” The two athletes have never met inside the squared circle, largely because they have competed at different weight classes throughout their glittering careers. Shields has fought at heavier divisions than Taylor, which meant the paths of the two champions never crossed in the ring. When asked whether she was disappointed that a fight never happened, Shields was unequivocal: “I’m not mad that it didn’t happen. We have weight classes for a reason, and I respect her greatness just as she respects mine.” She emphasized that both women have consistently beaten the best in their respective divisions, and that mutual respect outweighs any lingering ‘what‑if’ scenarios.

“I am happy to be able to watch her and her greatness. She’s done the same for me.

I wish her a happy retirement,” she concluded. Taylor enters her final contest as a 25‑to‑1 underdog, having suffered her only professional defeat to Chantelle Cameron in May 2023.

Despite that setback, her legacy remains untarnished. Among her most memorable achievements is a historic trilogy of victories over Puerto Rican legend Amanda Serrano. Their first encounter made history as the inaugural women’s bout to headline Madison Square Garden, a milestone that underscored the growing prominence of female boxing on the world stage. Serrano, reflecting on Taylor’s career, told Sky Sports, “I think Katie’s done what she wanted to do.

I think this is her time.” She added, “You can feel it—I’ve been in the sport for 17 years. It’s about time. Katie and I have made a lot of money together, we’ve made history together, and we’ve delivered big fights.

She’s done enough for the sport and deserves this homecoming fight.” Serrano expressed genuine happiness for Taylor’s future beyond the ropes, envisioning a life filled with family and personal fulfillment. “I can’t wait to see her future when she’s retired, with her family life and all that good stuff.

She deserves it.” The narrative surrounding Shields and Taylor is more than a simple rivalry; it is a celebration of two women who have elevated the sport to unprecedented heights. Shields’ career, marked by three undisputed world titles across multiple weight divisions, showcases her versatility and relentless drive. Taylor’s journey, from Olympic gold to becoming a two‑weight undisputed champion, reflects a blend of technical brilliance, heart, and cultural impact that has inspired a generation of young athletes, especially in Ireland.

Both fighters have broken barriers beyond the ring as well. Shields, an outspoken advocate for gender equality in sports, has used her platform to call for better pay and more visibility for women boxers. Taylor, meanwhile, has become a national hero in Ireland, her success prompting increased investment in grassroots boxing programs and encouraging more girls to lace up gloves. As the final bell approaches for Taylor’s career, the boxing community is left to ponder the hypothetical clash that never occurred.

Yet, as Shields eloquently put it, the sport is richer for having two legends who have each dominated their own arenas. Their mutual respect, shared jokes about being “1A and 1B,” and genuine goodwill toward each other set a powerful example for athletes across disciplines. In the end, whether fans label one as the greatest or the other, the legacy of both Claressa Shields and Katie Taylor will endure. Their stories illustrate how dedication, talent, and a willingness to push boundaries can rewrite the history books.

As Taylor steps into Croke Park for what may be her last fight, and Shields continues to chase new challenges, the world watches two icons who have already secured their places in the pantheon of boxing greatness.