Undefeated boxing champion Claressa Shields has publicly expressed disappointment over the lack of support she has received from other female boxers regarding her biopic, “The Fire Inside.”
The “GWOAT” (Greatest Woman of All Time) of boxing has never been one to hold back her punches—inside or outside the ring. And this time, the two-time Olympic gold medalist is making headlines for addressing a glaring lack of support for her biopic from her fellow female boxers.
In a fiery post on X (formerly Twitter), Claressa vented her frustration over the silence surrounding the film that celebrates her groundbreaking journey in the world of boxing. “So let’s talk about it!” she began. “A whole biopic about my life & my journey in boxing, but only 2 female champions have said anything about it!”
Claressa Shields didn’t mince words.
“But y’all love to call me a hater! FOh! These girls have been hating on me! That’s why I shine so bright AND Still! GOD GONNA ALWAYS DO HIS BIG ONE FOR ME!” she concluded.
What sets “The Fire Inside” apart is that its narrative continues beyond that victorious moment, illustrating that triumph is not always a solution for all of life’s challenges.
“The Fire Inside” tells the story of Claressa Shields, who, at 17, secured the Olympic gold medal in boxing during the 2012 games. Shields achieved this feat despite facing poverty and a challenging upbringing in Flint, Michigan. However, even after her success at the Olympics, she faced new battles as life’s challenges, particularly the lack of financial opportunities for female athletes in a male-dominated sport, continued to hit her hard.
The initial portion of the film focuses on Shields’ quest to compete in the 2012 Olympics and secure the gold medal. However, the true highlight of The Fire Inside is its exploration of Shields’ life after the Olympics, when she faces a lack of endorsements and grapples with financial difficulties while striving for the improved lifestyle she had anticipated. Although female athletes have gained significant recognition today, just 12 years ago, Shields symbolized the challenges they faced in achieving fair compensation. Her struggle to obtain what she believes she deserves is even more motivating to witness than her matches in the ring.
While two female champions publicly supported the film, the overwhelming silence from others in the sport has disappointed Claressa Shields.
