Claressa Shields Wants to “Knock Out” Jake Paul

Claressa Shields has never shied away from criticism. As she prepares to successfully defend her title against Danielle Perkins on February 2, the “GWOAT” (Greatest Woman of All Time) has set her sights on a big name: Jake Paul.

Shields Targets a Big Name

Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and world champion in multiple weight divisions, did not hesitate to make her stance clear:

“I don’t know if it will ever happen, but I know I can beat Jake Paul. Those who doubt this are just being sexist and don’t understand boxing,” Shields said. “It’s ridiculous to think that a YouTuber could defeat a female boxer with two Olympic gold medals, multiple world titles, and the skills of a heavyweight fighter.”

The Buzz Around a Potential Matchup

The possibility of a match between Paul and Shields remains uncertain, but Shields seems to feel that she has been unfairly overlooked in the discussions surrounding this idea.

Regardless, if Paul were to actually face Shields, the bout would undoubtedly generate enormous attention, akin to the buzz generated when Mike Tyson faced a YouTuber in his comeback match last November on Netflix.

Shields is undoubtedly a star, though she’s not quite at Tyson’s level of fame. However, the gender dynamics involved in this matchup would turn the fight into a major social phenomenon. In combat sports history, there has never been a high-profile clash between male and female fighters.

If Shields, one of the greatest female boxers in the world, were to fight Jake Paul — arguably the most famous male boxer at the moment (though controversially so) — the internet would be set ablaze.

Questions Surrounding the Fight

• Could Shields realistically have a chance of beating a man?
• If Paul injured Shields, would he hold back?
• Would experts give Shields a fair shot?
• Could such a match even be sanctioned by any athletic commission?

At present, Shields has nearly exhausted all lucrative matchups in women’s boxing. Even the biggest fights against other female boxers cannot generate a fraction of the revenue she could earn by fighting Paul.

At 29, Shields understands this is her prime opportunity to maximize her earnings in the sport. Her biographical film was released in theaters during the Christmas season, but now is the time for Shields to reap the rewards of her talent and her pioneering role in women’s boxing.

Shields’ Confidence in Her Skills

Still, Shields remains a fierce competitor.

“He has no experience,” she said. “People talk about power, but you need skills to deliver an effective punch.”

Jake Paul has made significant improvements since becoming a professional boxer, though most experts still do not consider him an advanced fighter in the realm of Sweet Science. However, his punching power is undeniable, with seven knockouts in 11 bouts.

Nonetheless, this is not enough to convince Shields that Paul could defeat her in a boxing match.

“Jake Paul has not shown any real improvement in his skills,” Shields asserted. “He needs to train harder and better. Honestly, I think even Danielle Perkins — my next opponent — could beat Jake Paul.”

A Strategic Move for Shields

While Perkins, at 42 years old with a modest 5-0 professional record, would struggle against a younger male boxer like Paul, Shields’ statement serves a clear purpose.

It is both a bold challenge and a strategic move to elevate the conversation, and she knows how to turn this into an advantage for herself.