Terence Crawford says Claressa Shields is a better boxer than Laila Ali

 Claressa Shields vs. Laila Ali: Who’s the Greatest Female Boxer of All Time?

There are names in boxing that transcend belts, rankings, or knockouts. For women’s boxing, Laila Ali and Claressa Shields are at the forefront. Two dominant athletes from different eras, different upbringings, and different boxing ecosystems—yet forever linked in the debate over who is the greatest of all time (GOAT).

The discussion reignited, after Terence Crawford, the undisputed men’s welterweight and junior welterweight world champion, boldly stated on Club Shay Shay that Claressa Shields is better than Laila Ali.

The internet immediately erupted. Some praised the objectivity—others called it disrespectful to a woman who retired undefeated and brought visibility to women’s boxing before it was even televised regularly.

But what makes someone “the greatest”? Is it dominance? Longevity? Cultural relevance? Or is it how they changed the game? Let’s unpack the full context—from titles and opponents to obstacles and eras—to find a clearer answer.

Claressa Shields: Flint’s “GWOAT” Built on Olympic Gold and History

Claressa Shields doesn’t just win fights—she wins them against top-tier opposition across multiple weight classes, often with barely a round lost. Born and raised in Flint, Michigan, Shields’ journey began in poverty and personal trauma. Abandoned by her mother and sexually abused as a child, Shields turned to boxing at age 11 and found something she could control: her fists, her future, her fire.

Before she even turned pro, Shields had already made history. She became the first American boxer—male or female—to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals in 2012 (London) and 2016 (Rio). Her amateur record was a dominant 77-1, with her only loss coming in her earliest days in the sport.

When Shields turned professional in 2016, many doubted whether women’s boxing had the infrastructure to support a breakout star. She proved everyone wrong.

A Record-Breaking Career in the Pro Ranks

As of 2025, Shields holds a professional record of 16-0, and the list of her achievements keeps growing:

• First boxer in history (man or woman) to become undisputed champion in three weight divisions: light middleweight (154 lbs), middleweight (160 lbs), and now heavyweight (200+ lbs).
• Only boxer to unify the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO titles multiple times.
• Beat previously undefeated champions like Christina Hammer, Savannah Marshall, and most recently, Danielle Perkins to become the undisputed heavyweight champion—a title few predicted she’d even chase.

Her dominance is rarely questioned. Shields rarely loses rounds, and her speed, ring IQ, and defense have drawn comparisons to male greats like Andre Ward and Floyd Mayweather.

Shields’ Cultural Impact

Nicknamed the “GWOAT” (Greatest Woman of All Time), Shields doesn’t just shine in the ring—she’s been vocal about inequality, pay disparities, and the lack of promotion in women’s boxing.

She’s also dipped into MMA—winning fights in the PFL (Professional Fighters League)—and starred in the documentary T-Rex, followed by a feature film The Fire Inside about her childhood trauma and rise to glory. At only 30 years old, Shields still has time to further cement her legacy—and she’s showing no signs of slowing down.

Laila Ali: Undefeated Royalty and Boxing’s Gateway Star

Before Claressa Shields came along, the biggest name in women’s boxing was Laila Ali—and for good reason.

The daughter of Muhammad Ali, she had enormous shoes to fill. Yet she carved out a lane of her own, going 24-0 with 21 knockouts, retiring undefeated in 2007.

A Knockout Artist with Star Power

Ali made her pro debut in 1999 at a time when women’s boxing was barely visible to mainstream fans. No Olympic slots, no prime-time networks or No pay-per-view stars. Still, Ali became a household name, headlining cards and drawing celebrity attention. Her fighting style was aggressive and calculated. She had power in both hands and fought with the kind of charisma rarely seen in boxing—male or female.

Key achievements include:

• WBC, WIBA, IWBF, and IBA super middleweight world titles
• IWBF light heavyweight world title
• Wins over Jacqui Frazier-Lyde, daughter of Joe Frazier, in a hyped “Ali vs. Frazier” rematch of sorts.
• A peak where she was the most recognized female boxer on Earth

The GOAT Verdict: Skill vs. Symbolism

If we’re basing the title of “greatest” on pure boxing skill, accomplishments, and competition, Claressa Shields edges ahead. She’s done things no woman—or man—has ever done, in multiple eras and formats.

But if we’re talking symbolism, trailblazing, and cultural significance, Laila Ali’s contributions can’t be ignored. She made women’s boxing visible at a time when it was nearly invisible. Her undefeated record, star power, and refusal to live in her father’s shadow all speak to a greatness of a different kind.

Ultimately, the GOAT debate isn’t about tearing one woman down to lift the other up. It’s about appreciating two legends who fought different battles—one for acceptance, the other for dominance—and both won.

A Short But Impactful Career

Ali retired in her prime at 29 years old. Critics sometimes point to the lack of top-tier competition in her era. Women’s boxing wasn’t globally structured then, and few fighters had access to serious training or global exposure. Still, you can only beat who’s in front of you—and Ali beat them all, convincingly.

While she never competed in the Olympics (women weren’t allowed until 2012), her influence brought new eyes to the sport and arguably paved the way for its Olympic inclusion.

Life After the Ring

Ali has remained a powerful voice post-boxing—publishing books, launching wellness brands, and speaking on women’s empowerment. She’s hosted shows on OWN, appeared on Dancing With the Stars, and continues to honor her father’s legacy while building her own.

Shields vs. Ali: Side-by-Side Career Comparison

Final Word: Why This Debate Matters

The Shields vs. Ali debate is bigger than boxing. It’s a reflection of how women’s sports have evolved—from underground fights to Olympic gold, from niche viewership to prime-time cards. Without Laila Ali, there may not have been the momentum to include women’s boxing in the Olympics. Without Claressa Shields, the idea of women headlining boxing cards on Showtime and ESPN may have remained fiction.

Together, they represent a lineage of greatness. And if the sport continues to grow, it’s only a matter of time before a third name enters this debate. But for now, the ring belongs to Shields and Ali—two queens of the squared circle.