Photo: Getty Images North America
Boxing champion Claressa Shields is calling out anti-Blackness in criticism about her looks, joining a feud between 50 Cent and her partner, Papoose.
Shields' comments came after 50 Cent posted a throwback photo of the boxing champion on Sunday (January 4).
“Ok the truth is I’m a Claressa Shields fan, think she is an amazing fighter, and she got a big fight coming up, so I’m gonna chill and let her focus, let’s go champ!” 50 Cent wrote alongside the photo.
Shields quickly clapped back at the apparent shade from the rapper, who is currently feuding with her partner, Papoose.
“Please… y’all wanna run with the ugly narrative so bad,” Shields wrote, pairing her post with a recent in-ring photo.
Shields pointed out that the photo 50 Cent shared captures a historic moment.
“I was 17 years old fighting for my entire country and had an OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL AROUND MY NECK! Of course I glowed up! And I’m going to always be focused no matter what! LIKE ALWAYS!” she said.
The boxer went on to address broader issues of scrutiny faced by Black women in sports.
“Boy y’all hate everything about Blackness. Being Black, Black women, Black support, Black unity, Black noses, Black a—s. It’s really sad,” Shields wrote. “I’m never joining the hate train of my own people. I didn’t wear a full face of makeup ‘til I was 24 years old. Still Beautiful & Blessed.”
Despite the online feud, Shields, the reigning heavyweight champion who became the highest-paid woman in boxing in 2025, is preparing for a February 22 rematch against Franchón Crews-Dezurn at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
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