Shannon Sharpe is sharing his thoughts on a debate that has sparked conversation among boxing fans.
During a recent episode of his podcast, the former NFL star discussed a potential matchup between two-time Olympic champion Claressa Shields and a male professional fighter. Sharpe said he believes the undefeated boxer would struggle against a trained male opponent.
“Claressa, you’re not beating a male-trained fighter,” Sharpe said during the discussion. “You’re great. You’re the GWOAT. You’re the greatest woman of all time.”
Sharpe praised Shields for her accomplishments in the ring while explaining why he believes sports leagues typically separate competition by gender. According to him, physical differences are part of the reason many professional sports maintain separate divisions.
Shannon Sharpe reacts to Claressa Shields and Shakur Stevenson responding to his comments were he sad claressa is the best female boxer of all time but she can’t win again a man because physically women can’t compete with men in professional sports pic.twitter.com/h4zzNkh4oQ
— joebuddenclips/fanpage (@chatnigga101) March 9, 2026
“If that was the case, you would have fought men,” he said. “They’re not going to sanction it.”
Sharpe also referenced tennis icon Serena Williams while making his point.
“Serena is the greatest woman’s tennis player ever,” he said. “She even said she wouldn’t beat a male tennis player.”
Shields has built one of the most decorated careers in women’s boxing history, winning world titles across multiple weight classes and earning widespread praise for her dominance in the sport.
Sharpe’s comments quickly fueled debate online among sports fans.