A misunderstanding between Claressa Shields and Amanda Serrano has sparked a broad discussion about who can be considered the best female fighter, often referred to as the “Greatest Woman of All-Time” or GWOAT, in this modern era. Their interaction on social media has highlighted the complexities of women’s boxing, where multiple fighters could be contenders for the GWOAT title.
Both Claressa Shields (14-0, 2 KO’s) and Amanda Serrano (47-2-1, 31 KO’s) are recognized as two of the top female fighters of their generation. However, reaching a consensus on who is the actual #1 fighter remains subjective. Shields has claimed the GWOAT title due to her achievements, including becoming undisputed champion twice in the four-belt era. She is the youngest and fastest-rising undisputed champion and the first female boxer to achieve this twice—a feat matched by Katie Taylor (23-1, 6 KO’s) last November when Taylor defeated Chantelle Cameron (19-1, 8 KO’s) to become the undisputed super lightweight (140 lbs) champion.
Although the GWOAT status is unofficial, Shields was offended by Amanda Serrano’s claim to the GWOAT title, especially after revisiting a series of Tweets Serrano made about three years ago:
GWOAT STATUS:
— Amanda Serrano (@Serranosisters) December 22, 2021
Boxing 42-1 30ko’s ( 7 Div World Champion)
MMA 2-0-1 2 Submissions
JiuJitsu 5-0 4 Submissions (Gold Medal) https://t.co/PatVBhQiaM
I’m excited to announce my signing to @MostVpromotions Together w @jakepaul and @BAVAFASports we’ll elevate womens boxing. I’ve always let my in ring performance speak for itself. Going fwd I’m going to be speaking about it. No more sweet silent Serrano.
— Amanda Serrano (@Serranosisters) September 30, 2021
Sincerely, Boxings GWOAT pic.twitter.com/t7Ty0jrPUq
Shields reacted strongly to Serrano’s past Twitter/X posts, even though her upcoming fight on July 27th against Canadian WBC heavyweight (200+ lbs) champion Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse (7-1, 2 KO’s) should be her focus.
Your team is Disrespectful. I turned pro and literally branded GWOAT, and y’all just try to come in and start using it. I also have proved why I’m the GWOAT! I have never once called myself “THE real Deal” and wouldn’t allow anyone else to do it either out of respect! https://t.co/cdpyHvQPQP pic.twitter.com/66gWIG1FsD
— Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) July 22, 2024
While Serrano has referred to herself as the GWOAT, she has also consistently labeled Shields as the GWOAT over the past several years:
You already know girl. I’m good somewhere behind you. What’s real is real. You earned your title GWOAT. Love what you are doing for us. Opening doors like no other ever did #Salute
— Amanda Serrano (@Serranosisters) August 24, 2018
The GWOAT @Claressashields always showing love
— Amanda Serrano (@Serranosisters) February 5, 2023
Thanks GWOAT!
— Amanda Serrano (@Serranosisters) June 7, 2024
I join you & Katie as a Two Time winner yay 🙏
Amanda Serrano has further distinguished herself by claiming the GWOAT title in the lower divisions. Given the different weight classes, career trajectories, and challenges faced by the two fighters, a direct comparison is challenging:
Lol Love you Champ! I’m a mini you The little GWOAT 😘🙏
— Amanda Serrano (@Serranosisters) January 19, 2019
Ultimately, the dispute between Shields and Serrano seems to be a case of misunderstanding, with Serrano consistently praising both herself and Shields, along with other female fighters, for their contributions to boxing—a stance she reaffirmed recently.
I’m not one Scared to give other women credit, I’ve given plenty of praise & compliments to others.
— Amanda Serrano (@Serranosisters) July 22, 2024
Other female fighters Accomplishments never stop me from being the best version of myself. Which is my Only goal.
I never include myself in every single fight someone else is…
While Shields’ reaction to Serrano’s use of the GWOAT label reflects her competitive spirit, it may be seen as misplaced given Shields’ current focus on her heavyweight fight and the fact that no GWOAT can be definitively determined during their careers—similar to how Muhammad Ali was only considered the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) after retirement.
In Ali’s case, the GOAT label was not officially recognized but widely accepted due to his accomplishments within the sport. Given there are several female fighters who can vie for the title of GWOAT due to their own successes, Shields’ self-labelling might be premature, or even unwarranted given the achievements of her own peers.
Currently, both Shields and Serrano could be considered generational fighters, and while the label of GWOAT does appear to be a coveted title, the status fails to acknowledge the multiple figures that have contributed to the sport. As it pertains to women’s division, which is still developing to the point where it can match the popularity and interest in the men’s division, the GWOAT label appears unimportant in a time where multiple female fighters have distinguished themselves through their own greatness.