Claressa Shields Meets Fans Ahead of Historic Atlanta Fight.
Undisputed heavyweight champion Claressa Shields appeared at Atlanta’s Buckhead Fight Club for a fan meet-and-greet.
Undisputed heavyweight titleholder Claressa Shields visited Atlanta’s Buckhead Fight Club on July 29 for a public meet-and-greet, drawing a crowd of fans whose line stretched around the boxing gym as they waited to meet the champion and have memorabilia signed.
Shields also answered questions from fans and members of the media, reflecting on her career journey, discussing ways women can advance equity in the sport of boxing, and sharing her perspective on handling media attention and press obligations.
Shields has long been an advocate for equal pay and greater opportunities for women in sports. When asked about the structural changes still needed to achieve equality in boxing, she emphasized that expanding opportunities and securing equal treatment for female fighters remain central to her ongoing efforts.
Shields encouraged female athletes to take a more intentional approach to building their personal brands, stressing the importance of understanding what they represent and communicating that consistently. She said her own widespread recognition is rooted in having a clear sense of her identity, values, and the message she wants to convey both inside and outside the ring.
When an attendee suggested that she remains underrated in the sport, Shields disagreed, saying she does not believe her boxing ability is underestimated. She argued that while public discussions often focus on topics outside the ring, her performances and accomplishments in boxing speak for themselves and leave little room for criticism.
Shields pointed to her accomplishments—including an undefeated professional record, two Olympic gold medals, and multiple world titles—as evidence of her legacy, encouraging people to focus on those achievements rather than outside narratives.
The self-proclaimed “Greatest Woman of All Time” (GWOAT) also shared words of encouragement and advice for the next generation.
Addressing the younger generation, Shields encouraged young people to stay true to themselves and resist the pressure to change in order to gain acceptance from others. She emphasized the importance of authenticity and self-confidence, urging them to embrace who they are rather than seeking approval from those who may never support them.
The fan event served as a promotional kickoff for Shields’ upcoming championship bout on Saturday, Aug. 15, which will stream live on DAZN from State Farm Arena. By connecting one of boxing’s biggest stars with local fans, Salita Promotions, Route 30 Promotions, and presenting sponsor Zeus Network hope to build excitement for the event and further elevate the sport throughout the Southeast. Fight night is a collaborative production involving Salita Promotions, Route 30 Promotions, Claressa Shields Promotions, Zeus Network, and Wynn Records.
Claressa Shields Returns to Atlanta for a Historic Showdown
The upcoming fight card at State Farm Arena marks a significant moment in boxing history. Shields, who calls herself the “GWOAT” (Greatest Woman of All Time), is scheduled to face unified WBC and WBA champion Kaye Scott in the first women’s main event to headline Atlanta’s State Farm Arena.
Already the undisputed heavyweight champion, Shields also has the opportunity to join Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr. as one of the select fighters over the past 120 years to win world titles after moving down in weight—a feat that would further cement her place among boxing’s elite.
The co-main event will feature undefeated junior welterweight contender Ernesto Mercado, who faces experienced veteran Emmanuel Tagoe in a pivotal matchup. The bout also marks Mercado’s debut on DAZN following his recently announced multi-year partnership with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records.
The undercard includes Atlanta native Hakim Lopez, who trains and operates Granite City Boxing, as he takes on Detroit’s Davelle Smith in an eight-round super middleweight contest.
