Claressa Shields is at the center of an online debate after listeners accused the boxing champion of calling into a YouTube livestream under the guise of a devoted supporter.
The incident occurred during a live episode of Hood Champion Boxing and Sports, when a caller identifying herself as an anonymous fan passionately defended Shields against rumors about her finances and reputation.
“I’m sitting up here listening to this live and I see so much misinformation,” the caller said, pushing back on claims that Shields owed tax money or had damaged her public image. “Why are y’all lying saying that this woman’s image is ruined?”
As the call continued, the defense grew increasingly detailed. The caller questioned why the online rumors were being treated as fact and reminded listeners that Shields’ career has unfolded publicly since her teens. “Nobody’s doing any fact checks,” she added.
“Very, very false. I know Claressa myself, so therefore no, it’s not true,” she said, prompting listeners to wonder if Shields herself was on the line. She also scoffed at discussions of Shields’ reported earnings. “She only made $8 million? Like $8 million is not a lot of money?” the caller asked.
Things took a turn when the caller appeared to drop the third person and started to say “I,” instead of “she.”
Fans have speculated that the caller was in fact Shields, as though she is yet to publicly admit it.