When you hear the name Claressa Shields, think greatness personified. Dubbed “The GWOAT”—Greatest Woman of All Time—Shields is rewriting the narrative of women’s boxing and inspiring a generation while doing it. Read more about the woman behind The Fire Inside.

In The Beginning

Hailing from Flint, Michigan, a city known for its resilience, Shields embodies the spirit of a true fighter inside and outside the ring. Shields’ rise to glory began at just 17 years old when she became the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing at the 2012 London Games. She followed that historic feat with a second gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics, cementing her status as a trailblazer in the sport. But her ambition didn’t stop there.

No One’s Seeing Her In The Ring

As a professional boxer, Shields is a multi-division world champion, holding titles across three weight classes. Her unmatched speed, power, and skill make her a force to be reckoned with in any bout. In 2021, she took things up a notch by becoming the first boxer in history—male or female—to hold all four major world titles in two weight classes simultaneously.

Equal Pay For The Girls

Claressa’s impact extends far beyond the ring. She’s an outspoken advocate for women’s equality in sports, challenging the pay disparities and lack of recognition female athletes often face. Shields consistently uses her platform to uplift others, sharing her journey from humble beginnings in Flint to becoming a global icon.

On To Bigger & Better MMA Things

And if that’s not impressive enough, Shields is also breaking barriers in mixed martial arts (MMA), proving her versatility and unrelenting drive to conquer new challenges. Her journey into MMA has shown that her fighting spirit knows no boundaries.

With all her accolades, Shields remains grounded, often reflecting on how her upbringing in Flint shaped her relentless work ethic and unshakeable confidence. She’s not just an athlete; she’s a role model, a trailblazer, and an unapologetic advocate for change.

The Big Screen

Now, the world will know Claressa’s impressive influence in sports and beyond with the release of The Fire Inside, starring Ryan Destiny and Brian Tyree Henry, on Dec. 25. The story follows the story of Claressa “T-Rex” Shields, who trained to become the first woman in her country’s history to win an Olympic gold medal in the sport.

The empowering film is just another milestone in her inspiring journey as a world leader and public figure in boxing and beyond. Whether she’s throwing punches in the ring or breaking down barriers in the sports world, Claressa Shields is a name you need to know. The GWOAT is here to stay, and she’s just getting started.