Latest news with #Shields
USA Today
18 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Claressa Shields-Laila Ali feud escalates: What champ had to say
Claressa Shields is putting her undisputed heavyweight title on the line against Lani Daniels Saturday, July 26, but a piece of her mind is occupied by someone else. Laila Ali. Shields and her team have said they put $15 million in escrow for Ali — provided she agrees to fight Shields. Four days since they made the offer, Ali has yet to respond, according to Shields. 'Do you want to entertain a fight or do you not?'' Shields said, referring to Muhammad Ali's daughter. 'And I think that she should let me and the public know because the public is very, very interested. ... "Honestly, a fight with me and Laila Ali would be one of the biggest fights in women's boxing. I think we should do it for the culture. We should do it for the boxing culture. We should do it for so many to prove who is the best.'' On second thought... "I don't need to prove to the world that I'm better than Laila,'' Shields said. "I think everyone knows that." Ali did not respond to requests for comment left by USA TODAY Sports by email and voicemail and text message on a phone number listed in her name. Shields, 30, also suggested Ali, 47, should not be considered too old to fight. 'I see people complaining and saying her age and everything,'' Shields said. 'But Laila has been constantly picking at me, constantly talking trash about me for the past, I don't know, six, seven years. And she always talks about how she can come out of retirement and the reason she hasn't come out of retirement (is) because nobody's good enough, the bag isn't good enough.'' Raising the stakes Shields and her team raised the stakes July 18 when, in a video published by TMZ, they said they had put $15 million in escrow for Ali. Ali, the eighth of Muhammad Ali's nine children, was 24-0 with 21 knockouts during a pro boxing career that spanned from 1999 to 2007. Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, is 16-0 with 3 KOs as a pro. Does Shields think Ali will take the fight? 'Listen, I have no idea,'' she replied, "but I know I can be 60 and if one of these young girls come calling me out when they got $15 million, I'm stepping out. I'm stepping up and I'm going to get the money. Especially if I'm in good shape and I'm helping and I believe that I can still fight. I'm definitely going to do it.'' Shields indicated that Ali's disrespect for her is one reason she wants to fight. 'When you said I didn't have skills, I didn't have power, that I can't keep you off of me, that I'm not skilled enough, I'm not good enough,'' Shields said. 'I just want to get inside the ring with her to show her I am a hundred times better than you, even though I'm smaller than you. Because Laila is bigger than me, but size do not win fights. 'Hopefully by beating her I earn her respect and she can put up a good fight and she can earn mine because she don't got mine either.''
Black America Web
3 days ago
- Sport
- Black America Web
Claressa Shields Honored With Own Day in College Park
Source: Courtesy / Amazon MGM Studios Claressa Shields, the reigning boxing champion and trailblazer for women in sports, has achieved yet another milestone—this time, outside the ring. As reported by Rolling Out, on July 17, the city of College Park officially declared the day as 'Claressa Shields Day,' marking a historic moment of recognition for the Michigan native who has redefined women's boxing. The proclamation ceremony was a grand affair, drawing boxing enthusiasts and community leaders alike. Local officials presented Shields with proclamations celebrating her unparalleled achievements and her impact both inside and outside the ring. Shields, visibly moved, expressed her gratitude, likening the honor to the unwavering support she has always received from her hometown of Flint, Michigan. 'This recognition is not just for me but for every young girl who dreams of breaking barriers,' Shields said during the ceremony. 'Georgia has shown me love that I will never forget.' The event highlighted Shields' influence beyond her athletic prowess. Her advocacy for women's sports and her efforts to address disparities in pay and media coverage have made her a role model for countless young athletes. The proclamation also underscored the growing appreciation for women's contributions to professional boxing, a sport historically dominated by men. Social media platforms erupted with congratulatory messages following the announcement. Fans and supporters celebrated Shields' recognition as a symbol of empowerment and representation, particularly for women of color in professional athletics. Many shared personal stories of how Shields' career has inspired them to overcome challenges and pursue their dreams. As Shields continues to break barriers, the honor from College Park adds another dimension to her legacy. With potential future bouts, including a much-anticipated matchup with former champion Laila Ali, Shields remains a force to be reckoned with in the boxing world. Her determination and talent not only solidify her status as a champion but also as a lasting influence on women's professional sports. SEE ALSO Claressa Shields Honored With Own Day in College Park was originally published on
Irish Examiner
7 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Shelbourne survive dramatic All-Island derby to set up Champions League clash with Qarabağ
UEFA Champions League First qualifying round, second leg Linfield 1 (Shields (pen) 45+3) Shelbourne 1 (Coote '25) Shelbourne win 2-1 on aggregate Linfield arranged fake fireballs to build the pre-match atmosphere but this All-Island derby produced natural sparks that created a sizzler. Shelbourne were worthy of their win over two legs – setting up a Champions League second round clash against Azerbaijani champions Qarabağ at Tolka Park next week – but there was drama galore delivered at Windsor Park. Ali Coote adding to the first leg advantage looked ominous for the Belfast crew but they pulled one back, survived a disallowed concession and had a man sent off. Still, they only lost by a single-goal margin. Shels won't care about the manner of their progress, just that it's achieved. Regardless of how they fare in Uefa's supreme competition, a playoff into the Conference League phase is pocketed for later in the year. Both teams made one change apiece, former Dundalk midfielder Chris Shields returning from suspension for the hosts while Tyreke Wilson got the nod over Liverpool loanee James Norris. David Healy had preached the virtue of patience in their game-plan but within 13 minutes Linfield had spurned two golden opportunities. Evan Caffrey of Shelbourne after his side's victory in the UEFA Champions League First Qualifying Round second leg. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile Straight from kick-off, a free-kick was won which was whipped in by Kirk Millar. Ethan McGee ghosted in around the back to loop the ball across goal, just a whisker too early for Ben Hall to connect a yard out. While that was manufactured, the second opening was a present. There was no pressure on Conor Kearns when he joined the kickaround at the back but stubbing his boot into the turf allowed the ball trickle straight to Matt Fitzpatrick. All the former Antrim GAA star had to do was steer the loose ball into the empty net from 25 yards but his misjudged chip strayed past the post. Far from being an early siege, yet the visitors seemed addled. For instance, Mark Coyle clearing the ball needlessly out of play was uncharacteristic and the captain lasted only 22 minutes due to a knee complaint. Shels had given their vocal sold-out allocation of 1300 fans little to cheer about by then but the man of champions manifested in a tie-changing move two minutes later. A dash to the endline by left wingback Tyreke Wilson resulted in a cross that found its way to Harry Wood. Tricky as Wood he is, two Linfield defenders folded too easily when he feigned to shoot and the low effort beat Chris Johns but not Shields on the line. When the home side failed to clear the looping ball, Coote took one touch just inside the box to steady himself before burying a right-footer into the bottom corner. Wilson ought to have expanded the aggregate lead to three a minute later, only to blaze over after being left unmarked. It all the hallmarks of a routine win for the League of Ireland title holders at that stage but a chaotic final 15 minutes of the half, added to by 10 in stoppage time, offered hope to Linfield. First up in their favour was Shels losing another bedrock in Kearns. The early blunder hurt in body as well as mind, triggering a hamstring twinge as he kicked the ball out. He was replaced by Lorcan Healy, the deputy who'd made three appearances in May, and the clear tactic from his namesake was to bombard him with deep crosses. One of those on the stroke of the break was aimed for Ben Hall but the defender's aerial clash with Wilson led to the ball touching the latter's hand. Up stepped Shields to send Healy the wrong way to level proceedings on the night but there would be further drama before the dressing-room visits. Wilson's immediate surge into attack accrued a corner, from which Shels executed a rehearsed set-piece. That three-man move culminated with Kerr McInroy sweeping the ball into the corner but the celebrations were halted by a VAR check. English Premier League referee Andy Madley was alerted to a tug on Euan East at the back post by Paddy Barrett and adjudged it so to keep the tie in the balance. Linfield had hope and might have had an equaliser within 13 seconds of the restart arising from another howler. Healy was the culprit on this occasion with a wayward pass but redeemed himself by sticking out a foot to deny Callumn Morrison's scuffed shot. That hope subsided on 63 when Hall saw red for clipping Mipo Odubeko as he raced clear. The defender was marooned as last man after a misplaced pass by teammate Matthew Orr presented the Shels striker with a snip to intercept. Odubeko could have padded the cushion at the death when set free on the left but the save by Johns was academic as the Reds went marching on. LINFIELD: C Johns; E McGee (K Offord 77), E East, M Orr, B Hall; K Miller (C Allen 83), C Shields, J Mulgrew (D McCullough 77), J Archer; C Morrison (C McKee 69), M Fitzpatrick. SHELBOURNE: C Kearns (L Healy 31); E Caffrey, M Coyle (S Gannon 22), P Barrett, K Ledwidge, T Wilson (J Norris 83); K McInroy, JJ Lunney; A Coote (S Boyd 83), M Odubeko, H Wood. Referee: Andrew Madley (ENG). Attendance: 7000 (est).
USA Today
16-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Former Nebraska offensive lineman named best-ever No. 74 draft pick in NFL history
A former Nebraska offensive lineman has been named the greatest draft pick at his draft slot. ESPN's Ben Solak selected Will Shields as the greatest No. 74 draft pick in NFL history. Shields played for the Cornhuskers from 1989 to 1992. He was a two-time All-American and the 1992 Outland Trophy winner. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs with the No. 74 pick in the 1993 NFL draft. He would play for the Chiefs for his entire career. During that time, he was a seven-time All-Pro and a 12-time Pro Bowler. He was also the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year in 2003. "But Shields, who never missed a game in 14 years for the Chiefs, cleared them both -- 224 games, 223 starts, never inactive. He made every Pro Bowl from 1995 to 2006." Shields is one of three Hall of Famers drafted with the No. 74 pick. Running back Curtis Martin and tight end Charlie Sanders were also taken with the No. 74 pick. Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes, and opinions.
The Irish Sun
16-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Chris Shields believes patience is key for Linfield in Shels clash and reveals they won't go ‘gung ho'
CHRIS Shields insists Linfield must be patient to avoid a Champions League bum's rush against Shelbourne. The former 2 Shields spent 13 years playing in the League of Ireland before joining Linfield 2 Linfield find themselves 1-0 down to Shelbourne on aggregate ahead of kick-off The Dubliner cut a frustrated figure at Shields said: 'You're not happy losing a game but in Champions League fixtures you've seen much worse defeats turned around. 'It's about getting momentum early on, not going gung ho and leaving our a***s exposed after the first ten or 15 minutes. It's about managing the game.' Shields reckons that means they must not think of the north v south angle of the game. Read more on Irish football He said: 'I never got into the ideology of a north v south game. I think just the set-up of the game, two teams battling to get into the next round of the Champions League, which is huge for both financially.' Both sides have pocketed at least €960,000 in prize money but tonight is worth €750,000 to the winners. Victory guarantees at least three more Euro ties and group-stage football — which would be secured by winning one more game — and a minimum €3.1million. Blues boss David Healy takes charge of his 500th game tonight and wants cool heads to prevail. Most read in Football The former Northern Ireland striker said: 'These players believe there's an opportunity. 'One thing we won't do is be gung ho from a very early stage.' Premier League club share first images of incredible stadium upgrade plans
