Shes very supportive but they both been rocking with each other

Boxing champ Claressa Shields recently pulled no punches—literally or verbally—when asked about her relationship with fellow fighters, including Mikaela Mayer, Sandy Ryan, and even Alicia Baumgardner.

During a candid interview, Claressa made it clear that if there’s “real beef,” she’s not afraid to own it, especially when it comes to Mayer and Ryan’s rising tensions. Her words gave fans a raw and unfiltered look into how professional rivalries sometimes go beyond the ring—and how Shields really feels about her peers in women’s boxing.

When asked if the feud between Mayer and Ryan was authentic, Claressa didn’t hesitate. “If it’s real, it’s real. I’m not going to fake it,” she said. She acknowledged that genuine tension can bring out the best performances in fighters, as long as they know how to separate their emotions from their profession. “I think it’s better when it’s more authentic,” she added.

Claressa explained that even when fighters have mutual respect or affection for each other, once the gloves go on, it’s game time. “She right now, I’m like, ‘F— you.’ I might cry after, but I’m not crying over a loss. I’m crying because I care about the person I had to fight,” she said. This emotional duality highlights how intense boxing can be, especially between opponents with real histories.

When it came to analyzing a potential matchup between herself and Mikaela Mayer, Shields admitted she hadn’t deeply studied Mayer yet. “I watch her for the enjoyment. She’s aggressive, throws a lot of punches, uses angles, and has a great coach,” Shields said. But she emphasized she doesn’t truly start game-planning until it’s official. “I don’t do research on fighters until I fight them.”

Claressa also praised fellow fighter Lauren Price. “She came out the gate smoking. I like her. I want to fight her too,” she said enthusiastically, making it clear she respects skills and isn’t afraid to call someone out for a match—even if they’re not in her weight class. “She ain’t too little. She got some serious skills,” she said about Price.

The conversation shifted when Claressa was asked about MVP promotions, led by Jake Paul. Though she congratulated Alicia Baumgardner for signing with them, she was adamant that she’d never follow suit. “Pound-for-pound number one don’t fight on nobody’s undercard,” she said, asserting her belief that she should always headline.

However, if MVP ever offered a main event match with Alicia at the right weight, Shields admitted she’d entertain it. “It would have to be at 154. That’s the only place I can go,” she said. She emphasized she wouldn’t drop down to 147 unless a major payday was on the table. “If they not coming with a big bag where I gotta lose my big ol’ booty, I’m not doing that.”

Shields also weighed in on the highly anticipated rematch between Mayer and Ryan. She believes Mayer has the tools to win again. “Mikaela has more experience, and if she stays on her angles and lets her hands go, I think she’ll win,” Shields said. But she didn’t downplay Sandy Ryan’s power. “She’s a strong 147-pounder. We’ve sparred 30 to 40 rounds. I’m a big girl, and we go back and forth.”

The interview offered an insightful look into the mindset of a champion like Claressa Shields—someone who balances respect, rivalry, and realism. Whether she’s coaching, fighting, or simply breaking down the boxing scene, one thing is clear: Claressa doesn’t just talk like a champ—she lives it.