Boxing powerhouse Claressa Shields has never been one to hold back — not in the ring, and certainly not outside of it. After losing the 2025 BET Sportswoman of the Year Award to basketball star Angel Reese, the two-time Olympic gold medalist shared a candid reaction that struck a chord with fans across social media.
In a post that quickly gained traction, Shields wrote:
“I thought the one with the most accomplishments would win 🤷🏾♀️ but congrats to Angel Reese.”
It wasn’t shade — not quite — but it was enough to spark conversations about merit, visibility, and what it really takes to be recognized in mainstream spaces.
The Most Decorated, Still Overlooked?
Shields’ reaction isn’t just about one award. She’s arguably one of the most accomplished female boxers in history — an undisputed middleweight champion who has dominated across multiple weight classes. Her resume includes two Olympic gold medals, multiple world titles, and a professional record that remains undefeated.
So when she says she expected “the one with the most accomplishments” to win, she’s not wrong to believe her career stats stack higher than most.
But this wasn’t a sports federation ceremony. It was the BET Awards — a celebration of culture, visibility, and impact. And Angel Reese, with her high-profile NCAA career, viral moments, and influence on and off the court, has arguably captured the cultural spotlight in a way few athletes have in the past year.
To her credit, Shields did offer a congratulatory note in the same breath, making it clear that while she’s disappointed, she’s not bitter. Fans of both athletes have weighed in, with many praising Shields’ honesty while also acknowledging Reese’s breakout year as a force in women’s basketball and pop culture.
Reese herself has yet to publicly respond to Shields’ comment, but the moment underscores a deeper reality: Recognition doesn’t always come down to the record book.
For Claressa Shields, this is just the latest chapter in a career defined by not just victories in the ring, but a relentless fight for respect and equal visibility. From demanding equal pay in boxing to calling out disparities in media coverage, Shields has always used her voice even when it makes people uncomfortable.
And while she may have walked away from this year’s BET Awards without a trophy, she’s once again sparked a conversation that matters: What does it mean to be the best in an industry where the spotlight doesn’t always shine on excellence equally?
