Claressa Shields has openly praised the achievements of Katie Taylor and has made it clear that she harbors no resentment over the fact that a showdown between the two titans of women’s boxing never materialized. Taylor is set to step into the ring for what is being billed as her farewell bout this weekend, when she squares off against Flora Pili in an undisputed super‑lightweight world title clash at Dublin’s iconic Croke Park.
The event is expected to draw more than 80,000 spectators, underscoring the magnitude of the occasion. Taylor, an Irish legend, has amassed an extraordinary résumé: she is a two‑weight undisputed world champion, an Olympic gold‑medalist, and is widely regarded as the greatest female boxer ever to step inside a ring. Across the Atlantic, five‑division world champion Claressa Shields has risen to a status that many consider the closest parallel to Taylor’s legendary reputation. Shields has competed at higher weight classes than Taylor, which explains why their paths never crossed in the ring despite both occupying the sport’s upper echelons.
When asked by Sky Sports whether she considered herself the number‑one fighter, Shields answered with characteristic humility and a touch of humor. “Am I number one? I’ve always shared that title with Katie,” she said.
“We joke that we’re 1A and 1B because we’re both that good.” Shields added that she does not obsess over pound‑for‑pound rankings, noting that she has occupied the top two spots on those lists for the past five or six years. “I know Katie is an incredible fighter, a true warrior. I wish her a happy retirement and hope she lands a big knockout in her final fight,” she continued. Shields, a three‑time undisputed champion, has fought in heavier divisions than Taylor, which is why the two never met in competition.
She made it clear that she holds no ill will about the missed opportunity. “I’m not mad that it didn’t happen,” Shields explained. “Weight classes exist for a reason, and I respect her greatness as much as she respects mine.” She went on to say, “I’ve beaten the best in my divisions, she’s beaten the best in hers.
I’m happy to watch her greatness and she’s done the same for me. I wish her a happy retirement.” Taylor enters her Saturday fight with odds of 25‑1, having suffered her only professional loss to Chantelle Cameron in May 2023. Among her many career highlights is a historic trilogy of victories over Puerto Rican star Amanda Serrano. The first of those fights made history as the inaugural women’s bout to headline Madison Square Garden, a milestone that helped elevate the profile of women’s boxing on a global stage.
Serrano, reflecting on Taylor’s career, told Sky Sports, “I think Katie’s done what she set out to do. This is her time.” With 17 years in the sport, Serrano believes the moment has finally arrived for Taylor to enjoy a well‑deserved homecoming. “Me and Katie 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 farewell fight.” Serrano expressed genuine happiness for her friend, adding, “I can’t wait to see her future after retirement—family life and all the good things that come with it.
She’s earned it.” The mutual respect between Shields and Taylor illustrates a broader narrative within women’s boxing: two athletes who have dominated their respective weight classes, broken barriers, and inspired a new generation of fighters. While fans may lament that a direct clash never occurred, both champions have repeatedly emphasized that the sport’s structure—its weight divisions and sanctioning bodies—has served a purpose, and that their legacies stand on their own merits. Shields’ career has been marked by a willingness to fight at higher weights, capturing titles in multiple divisions and becoming a three‑time undisputed champion.
Her willingness to move up in weight has not only broadened her skill set but also cemented her reputation as a versatile and fearless competitor. Taylor, on the other hand, has remained a dominant force at super‑lightweight, defending her titles with a blend of technical precision and relentless aggression. Her Olympic background adds an extra layer of prestige, showcasing her ability to transition from amateur success to professional dominance.
Both athletes have also been vocal advocates for the growth of women’s boxing. Shields has spoken about the importance of visibility and the need for more equitable pay, while Taylor has used her platform to encourage young girls to take up the sport and to fight for better conditions and recognition. Their combined influence has helped push the sport into mainstream consciousness, resulting in larger audiences, higher‑profile events, and greater sponsorship opportunities.
As Taylor steps into the ring for what is likely her final professional appearance, the boxing world will be watching not only to see how she performs but also to celebrate a career that has redefined what is possible for women in the sport. Shields, meanwhile, continues to chase new challenges, aiming to add more titles and perhaps even a historic bout against another top‑ranked opponent. In the end, the question of who is "greater" may never be definitively answered, but the respect each holds for the other is evident. Their shared sentiment—being "1A and 1B"—captures the essence of a rivalry that exists more in admiration than in direct competition.
As the curtain falls on Taylor’s illustrious career and Shields continues to write her own chapters, fans can take comfort in the knowledge that both women have left an indelible mark on boxing history, inspiring countless athletes to follow in their footsteps.