The world of sports is never short of drama, and the recent 2025 BET Awards brought Claressa Shields into the spotlight once again. Claressa Shields, the undefeated boxing legend and two-time Olympic gold medalist, publicly expressed her surprise and frustration after losing the “Sportswoman of the Year” award to WNBA star Angel Reese. Shields’ candid reaction on social media sparked a heated debate about merit, recognition, and how accolades are valued in sports awards, especially when comparing athletes from different disciplines.
Shields, whose résumé includes 17 world championships and four undisputed titles, made it clear that she believed her accomplishments should have earned her the top spot. “Still don’t know how I didn’t win the Sportswoman of the Year for the @BETAwards but Congrats to Angel Reese and all the other Nominees 🤷🏽♀️ I just thought accolades mattered,” she posted on X. While Shields congratulated Reese, she stood by her belief that the person with the most accolades should be recognized. This incident has fueled discussions about how awards should be judged, especially in a field as competitive as women’s sports.
Claressa Shields: A Legacy of Dominance
Claressa Shields is widely regarded as one of the greatest female boxers of all time. Her recent achievements include capturing both the WBO light heavyweight and WBC heavyweight titles in July 2024, followed by the WBA heavyweight title in February 2025. These victories further cement her status as a dominant force in boxing. Shields’ career is marked by relentless determination and an ability to perform at the highest level, making her a role model for aspiring athletes everywhere.
Despite her recent success, Shields found herself in a tough competition at the BET Awards. The “Sportswoman of the Year” category was stacked with elite athletes, including Dawn Staley, Simone Biles, A’ja Wilson, Sha’Carri Richardson, Coco Gauff, Flau’Jae Johnson, and Juju Watkins. Each nominee brought a unique set of achievements to the table, making the final decision a challenging one for voters.
The Controversy: Accolades vs. Popularity
Shields’ frustration highlights a broader conversation about how sports awards are determined. While Shields argued that the person with the most accolades should win, others pointed out that awards often consider factors beyond statistics and titles, such as cultural impact and popularity. Angel Reese, for example, had a standout rookie season in the WNBA, nearly leading the league in rebounds and setting records for consecutive double-doubles. She also made waves in the three-on-three Unrivaled league, helping her team win its first championship and recording the WNBA’s only 20-20 performance, which earned her Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Shields’ social media posts clarified that she respects Reese’s achievements and is “team Angel Reese.” However, she remained firm in her belief that her own accomplishments—multiple world titles, Olympic gold medals, and an undefeated record—should have carried more weight. “Ain’t nobody saying Angel Reese don’t have accolades or she not good…I’m saying I thought the person with ‘THE MOST’ accolades & accomplishments would win the Award,” Shields reiterated.
This debate has resonated with fans and analysts, many of whom agree that comparing athletes across different sports is inherently complicated. While boxing and basketball require different skills and levels of visibility, both Shields and Reese are at the top of their respective games. The controversy has also sparked discussions about how awards can better recognize excellence in diverse sports.
What’s Next for Claressa Shields?
As the dust settles on the BET Awards, Claressa Shields remains focused on her career and legacy. Her recent string of victories in the ring shows no signs of slowing down, and she continues to inspire young athletes with her work ethic and determination. While the award may have gone to another deserving candidate, Shields’ impact on women’s sports is undeniable.
For now, the conversation about accolades, recognition, and fairness in sports awards is far from over. Fans are eager to see how Shields responds to this setback and whether it fuels her drive for even greater achievements in the future.
The story of Claressa Shields at the 2025 BET Awards is a reminder that sports are about more than just winning—they’re about passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. Whether in the ring or on social media, Shields continues to make her voice heard and her presence felt.
Want to join the conversation? Share your thoughts on who should have won “Sportswoman of the Year” and what criteria matter most in sports awards.