In anticipation of her fight on July 26 at Little Caesars Arena, boxer Claressa “T-Rex” Shields shares her excitement about Detroit’s unique fight fans. “When I fight in Detroit, they chant ‘Whoop That Trick,’” she explains, noting how the crowd’s enthusiasm energizes her, even when she’s just walking through to greet people.
Shields’ journey began at just 10 and a half years old in Flint’s Berston Field House. Armed with a backpack full of emotions and aspirations, she started boxing training in 2004. After just two weeks, her coach, Jason Crutchfield, informed her that her parents needed to officially enroll her. Initially discouraged by her father, who believed boxing wasn’t for girls, Shields persisted until he ultimately changed his mind.
“He tells everyone he only signed me up thinking I would quit,” she recalls during a Zoom interview with Metro Times from Atlanta. “He didn’t want me to blame him for not letting me try.” With support from her father and coach, Shields trained hard, overcoming obstacles to claim her first Junior Olympic Championship in 2011. When asked when she realized boxing would transform her life, she replied, “Immediately.”
“I wasn’t judged,” Shields reflects on her experience in boxing. The environment allowed her to push herself physically, earning encouragement from her peers, which she often lacked elsewhere. Achieving her first Olympic gold medal in London in 2012 made her the first American woman to do so, followed by another in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. With a remarkable 77-1 amateur record, she decided to turn professional in 2016.
Shields has emerged as a powerhouse in boxing, clinching world titles across five weight classes. Her accolades include the undisputed female light middleweight title and the WBC and IBF female super middleweight championships. She credits her faith as her greatest advantage, stating, “My biggest attribute is believing in God” and emphasizing that her ambition has always been to become the world’s best female boxer.
At 30, Shields is not just a champion; she is a cultural icon in women’s boxing. Nominated for a 2025 ESPN ESPY Award for best boxer, she’s also recognized in the hip-hop community. She stresses the importance of all female boxers building their brands to elevate the sport collectively. Despite the challenges, including criticism and shifting friendships, she remains focused on her goals.
The release of her biopic, The Fire Inside, directed by Barry Jenkins, further showcases her story, capturing her rise to Olympic gold. Looking ahead, Shields aims to secure a significant endorsement deal alongside her accomplishments. As she gears up for her fight against Lani Daniels, she expresses excitement about performing in front of her Detroit fans. “I’m just excited to punch Lani in the face in front of everybody in Detroit,” Shields declares.
Catch Claressa Shields in action against Lani Daniels at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 26 at Little Caesars Arena; 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.com. Tickets are available starting at $45.
