Claressa Shields recently paid tribute to the legendary Katie Taylor, acknowledging her status as one of the sport's all‑time greats while expressing genuine contentment that a bout between the two icons never materialised. The sentiment came as Taylor prepares for what is billed as her farewell appearance, stepping into the ring this weekend against Flora Pili in an undisputed super‑lightweight world title showdown at Dublin’s iconic Croke Park. The venue is set to be packed with more than 80,000 spectators, underscoring the magnitude of the occasion.

Taylor, an Irish boxing icon, has already secured her place in history as a two‑weight undisputed world champion and an Olympic gold‑medal winner. As she hangs up her gloves, many observers will likely refer to her as the greatest female boxer ever to step inside a ring. Yet, standing in the same arena of acclaim is Claressa Shields, a five‑weight world champion who has risen to become perhaps the closest rival to Taylor’s towering reputation. In an interview with Sky Sports, Shields addressed the age‑old question of who is number one.

"Am I number one? I have always shared that with Katie," she said, smiling.

"Me and her joke and say we're 1A and 1B, because we're both just that good." The American fighter made it clear that she does not obsess over pound‑for‑pound rankings, noting that she has hovered near the top of those lists for the past five or six years. "I know that I've been number one or two on there for the past five, six years," Shields added, before turning her admiration toward Taylor. "But I know that Katie, she's a great fighter.

She's a warrior. And I wish her a happy retirement. And I hope that she gets a big knockout in her last fight." Shields’ career has taken her through heavier divisions than Taylor’s, which is one of the primary reasons the two have never met inside the ropes. "I'm not mad that it didn't happen," Shields explained.

"We had weight classes for a reason. And I respect her greatness and she respects mine. I beat the best in my divisions, and she's beat the best in her divisions. I respect that.

So no, I'm not upset that we never got to fight. I am happy to be able to watch her and her greatness. She's done the same for me.

And like I said, I wish her a happy retirement." Her remarks reflect a mature perspective on the sport’s structure and the respect that top athletes hold for each other, even when a dream matchup never comes to fruition. Taylor steps into Saturday’s contest with odds of 25‑1, a figure that reflects the surprise of her sole professional loss to Chantelle Cameron in May 2023. Despite that setback, she remains a dominant force, having amassed a record that includes a historic trilogy of victories over Puerto Rican legend Amanda Serrano. Their first encounter was particularly momentous, as it marked the inaugural women’s bout to headline Madison Square Garden, a milestone that helped elevate women’s boxing to mainstream recognition.

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. You can feel it, I've been 17 years in the sport.

It's about time. Me and Katie, we've made lots of money together, we made history together and big fights. I think she's done enough for the sport. She deserves this homecoming fight.

I'm happy for her. I just can't wait to see her future when she's retired with her family life and all that good stuff. She deserves it." Both fighters have not only accumulated titles but have also broken barriers for women in a traditionally male‑dominated arena.

Shields, a three‑time undisputed champion, has fought at middleweight and beyond, showcasing a blend of power and technical skill that has drawn comparisons to the sport’s greatest male champions. Taylor, meanwhile, has been a trailblazer for Irish boxing, inspiring a new generation of young athletes, especially girls, to lace up gloves and chase their own dreams. The conversation about who is the greatest often hinges on subjective criteria—number of titles, quality of opposition, longevity, and cultural impact.

Shields’ résumé includes world titles at light‑middleweight, middleweight, and super‑middleweight, making her a rare multi‑division champion in the women’s game. Taylor’s claim to fame rests on her Olympic gold, her status as the first woman to hold undisputed titles in two weight classes simultaneously, and her role in bringing women’s boxing to prime‑time venues worldwide.

Beyond the accolades, both athletes have used their platforms to advocate for gender equality in sport. Shields has spoken openly about the pay disparities that still exist in boxing, urging promoters and sanctioning bodies to offer women the same financial opportunities as their male counterparts.

Taylor has been a vocal supporter of grassroots programs in Ireland, helping to fund boxing clubs and mentorship initiatives that give underprivileged youth a pathway out of adversity. As the night approaches, fans will be watching not only a fight but also the culmination of two extraordinary careers that have run parallel yet never intersected. Whether one prefers Shields’ relentless aggression and ability to dominate larger opponents, or Taylor’s technical precision and historic achievements, the reality is that both have elevated women’s boxing to unprecedented heights. In the end, the debate over "who is greater" may never be settled definitively, but the legacy each leaves behind is undeniable.

Shields’ respect for Taylor’s accomplishments and Taylor’s gracious acknowledgment of Shields’ prowess illustrate a mutual admiration that transcends rivalry. Their stories will continue to inspire future champions, reminding the world that greatness is not measured solely by titles, but also by the impact an athlete has on the sport and the people who love it.