Undefeated boxing champion Claressa Shields recently opened up about some unexpected challenges she’s faced within her family as her fame has grown.
In an interview on the Art of Ward Podcast with Andre Ward, she candidly shared how her success has put a strain on her relationship with her sister.
The 29-year-old champion expressed her deep struggles, saying her family’s reactions to her achievements have been a bittersweet mix of gratitude and resentment.
“People don’t appreciate what you give them; they want what you have,” she reflected, highlighting the tensions that have emerged as she’s reached new heights in her career.
Shields got particularly emotional when discussing changes in her sister’s behavior. “I go there, sit with the teachers, go to teacher conferences. I do all this stuff, and it seemed like the more you do, the more they don’t like you,” she admitted, struggling to hold back tears.
It was painful for her to realize how her sister had started to view her differently, and she opened up about the loneliness that comes from feeling alienated by those she cares for the most.
“You work so hard to make all this money and have a good life for yourself, and then the people you want to share it with just change on you,” Shields said, giving voice to the hurt she feels over these shifting dynamics.
She also talked about the isolating nature of her success, saying, “People say it’s lonely at the top, but damn, this is lonely.” Shields pointed out that some family members have started to feel entitled to her time and money, claiming, “They believe they deserve my money, my time, and the right to tell me who I can and can’t be around.” She added, “Family shouldn’t be like that.”
Despite these personal struggles, Shields remains focused on her career. The undefeated champion is preparing to step back into the ring against Danielle Perkins on February 2nd at the Dort Federal Event Center in her hometown of Flint, Michigan.
During the podcast, Claressa also touched on why a fight with Laila Ali hasn’t happened yet. She explained that although they had agreed on financial terms, Ali wasn’t able to get the clearance needed to compete.
