It's Up There: Claressa Shields on Papoose, the Viral Knockdown, $8M Deal & Being Called “Ugly"

Claressa Shields joins Loon on It’s Up There for an in-depth conversation that goes far beyond boxing.

The two-time Olympic gold medalist and multi-division undisputed champion opens up about the criticism she receives over her appearance, why she believes successful women are judged differently, and what it feels like to constantly have her confidence challenged publicly.

Claressa also speaks about her relationship with Papoose, the business surrounding her career, money in women’s boxing and the reported $8 million deal attached to the next stage of her journey.

She breaks down her side of the infamous viral sparring knockdown, including what she says happened with sparring partner Arturs Ahmetovs and why she believes there was more to the footage than viewers initially understood.

The conversation also touches on Angel Reese, Serena Williams, Franchon Crews-Dezurn, Jake Paul and MVP, The Fire Inside, Flint, retirement, legacy, and what Claressa believes she still has left to accomplish after already becoming one of the most decorated fighters of her generation.

Hosted by Loon / Big Loon.

Subscribe to It’s Up There wherever you listen to podcasts.

Watch the full video conversation on the It’s Up There YouTube channel. Search “It’s Up There Claressa Shields.”

00:00 — Claressa Shields Joins Loon

04:30 — What Is Claressa Still Fighting For?

09:15 — Being Called “Ugly” & Criticism of Her Looks

15:00 — Angel Reese, Serena Williams & Successful Women Getting Attacked

20:30 — Claressa Shields on Papoose & Her Personal Life

27:00 — The $8 Million Deal & Money in Women’s Boxing

32:30 — The Viral Sparring Knockdown

38:30 — What Claressa Says Happened With the Gloves

44:00 — Boxing Politics, Rivals & Her Legacy

48:00 — Retirement & What Comes Next

Original Publish Date Aug 14, 2026

Claressa Shields on Papoose, the Viral Knockdown, $8M Deal & Being Called “Ugly"

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