Alycia Baumgardner Targets A Super-Fight with Claressa Shields
Undisputed junior lightweight champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner (15-1, 7 KOs) has been adamant that she will fight anyone, anytime. That includes a catchweight battle with reigning undisputed middleweight queen Claressa “T-Rex” Shields (14-0, 3 KOs).
THE CALLOUT
Baumgardner went live on social media to declare she’s hungry to get back in the ring. One of the many fighters mentioned as a potential opponent in 2024 is a matchup with Shields at a catchweight of 147 pounds.
After hearing what Baumgardner had to say, Shields wasted no time responding on social media. What has followed is a series of back-and-forth insults between the two undisputed champions.
Baumgardner claimed to have approached T-Rex about fighting her during a conversation in the gym. But feeling that Baumgardner was too small and wasn’t serious, Shields rejected the notion. Yet, The Bomb remained dead serious.
The junior lightweight champion has been out of action since retaining the titles in a rematch victory over Christina Linardatou in July 2023. Shortly afterward, Baumgardner tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs, to which she has maintained her innocence.
What The Bomb proposed is that a fight with Shields could happen in Detroit, Michigan. Shields was born and raised in nearby Lansing, Michigan. Baumgardner has lived in Detroit for the past several years.
WHY DOES IT MAKE SENSE?
Baumgardner and Shields are two of the most visible figures in women’s boxing. They’ve made the transition from world champion boxers to having mainstream figures with numerous endorsements. It’s a super fight for women’s boxing. If it occurred in Detroit, it would be an economic boon for the city.
Some boxing enthusiasts would argue there is too much of a size disparity. But Baumgardner has said she can fight at a higher weight with ease. Shields is on record saying if the dollars are right, she’s willing to go down to 147. A battle with Baumgardner would mean a substantial payday.
The most recent outing for T-Rex was an easy unanimous decision win over Maricela Cornejo in June 2023. There was an expectation the middleweight champion would devote her focus in 2024 to MMA. But those plans may now change if it means a big-money fight with Baumgardner.
