Claressa Shields recently paid tribute to the legendary Katie Taylor, acknowledging her status as one of the sport’s all‑time greats and expressing genuine happiness that the two have never had to face each other in the ring. The Irish champion is set to step into the ring for what is expected to be her farewell bout this weekend, squaring off against Flora Pili in an undisputed super‑lightweight world title showdown at Dublin’s iconic Croke Park. More than 80,000 spectators are expected to fill the stadium, creating a historic atmosphere for what many consider the final chapter of Taylor’s storied career.

Taylor, a two‑weight undisputed world champion and Olympic gold‑medalist, will likely retire with her gloves hanging up as the most celebrated fighter in women’s boxing. In parallel, five‑weight world champion Claressa Shields has emerged as perhaps the closest challenger to Taylor’s lofty reputation, having amassed an impressive résumé across multiple divisions.

While the two athletes have never crossed paths inside the ropes—largely because they have competed at different weight classes—their mutual respect is evident. When asked by Sky Sports whether she considered herself the number‑one fighter, Shields replied with a smile, “Am I number one?

I’ve always shared that with Katie. We joke that we’re 1A and 1B because we’re both that good.” She went on to explain that she does not obsess over pound‑for‑pound rankings, noting that she has been listed among the top two for the past five or six years. “Katie is a phenomenal fighter, a true warrior,” Shields said.

“I wish her a happy retirement and hope she lands a big knockout in her last fight.” Shields, who has captured three undisputed world titles and fought at heavier weight classes than Taylor, acknowledges that the difference in divisions meant the two never had the chance to meet in competition. “I’m not upset that it didn’t happen,” she said. “Weight classes exist for a reason, and I respect her greatness just as she respects mine.” She added, “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 final contest with odds of 25‑1, having suffered her only professional loss to Chantelle Cameron in May 2023. Among her many 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 women’s boxing.

Serrano, reflecting on Taylor’s career, told Sky Sports, “I think Katie’s done what she wanted to do. This is her time.” With 17 years in the sport, Serrano feels the moment is long overdue.

“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.” She expressed excitement for Taylor’s future beyond the ring, saying, “I can’t wait to see her enjoy family life and everything else. She deserves it.” The mutual admiration between Shields and Taylor highlights a broader narrative in women’s boxing: two athletes who have each dominated their respective weight classes, pushed the sport into mainstream consciousness, and inspired a new generation of fighters.

While fans may lament that a direct clash never materialized, both champions have shown that their legacies are not defined by a single bout but by a body of work that has elevated the sport globally. As Taylor prepares for her last fight in front of a sea of Irish supporters, the boxing world will watch not only to see how she ends her career but also to celebrate the era she helped create. Shields, meanwhile, continues to forge her path across multiple divisions, reinforcing her status as a versatile and dominant force.

Their parallel journeys, marked by respect, rivalry, and shared milestones, serve as a testament to the progress and potential of women’s boxing. In the end, whether one labels Shields the greatest or Taylor the greatest may be less important than recognizing that both have achieved greatness in their own right. Their stories intertwine through mutual respect, shared history, and the common goal of advancing the sport they love.

As the final bell rings for Taylor, the boxing community can look forward to new chapters—whether through Shields’ future fights or the next wave of talent inspired by these two icons.