In the evolving landscape of women’s combat sports, superfights across disciplines are becoming increasingly intriguing. One matchup that sparks immediate debate among fans is a potential boxing bout between Claressa Shields and Amanda Nunes.
Both women are or were dominant champions in their respective sports—Shields in boxing and Nunes in mixed martial arts. If they ever stepped into a boxing ring together, the event could become one of the most talked-about crossover fights in combat sports history.
Shields recently spoke to TMZ following her latest win against Franchon Crews Dezurn in a 10-round bout in Detroit. While the G.W.O.A.T. isn’t a fan of competing in exhibition bouts, she would be open to facing former two-division UFC champion Amanda Nunes.
“I would fight against Amanda Nunes in boxing,” Shields said. “Absolutely. That would be a good one.”
Shields is widely considered one of the greatest female boxers of all time. The Flint, Michigan native made history as a two-time Olympic gold medalist and went on to dominate the professional ranks.
She has held world titles across multiple weight classes and became the first boxer—male or female—to hold all four major belts in two different divisions during the four-belt era. Known for her elite technical skills, sharp jab, and relentless confidence, Shields has rarely looked vulnerable inside the ring.
In recent years, Shields has also explored mixed martial arts, competing in the Professional Fighters League, which shows her willingness to test herself outside her primary sport.
Nunes built her legacy inside the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where she became arguably the greatest female MMA fighter ever.
Nicknamed “The Lioness,” Nunes achieved simultaneous championships in the bantamweight and featherweight divisions and defeated a long list of legends, including Ronda Rousey, Cristiane Justino, and Valentina Shevchenko.
Nunes’ fighting style combines devastating punching power with world-class grappling and kickboxing. While she is best known for her MMA dominance, her striking ability has led many fans to wonder how she would perform in a pure boxing environment.
She was supposed to come out of retirement in January to compete against current bantamweight champion and former teammate Kayla Harrison but that fight was unfortunately put on hold due to the champ sustaining a major neck injury.
A Fight That Would Elevate Women’s Combat Sports
Whether or not it ever happens, the idea of Claressa Shields vs. Amanda Nunes captures the imagination of fight fans. It represents more than a crossover bout—it symbolizes the growing visibility, star power, and competitive depth of women’s combat sports.
If promoters could make it happen, it might become one of the biggest events the sport has ever seen. 🥊