Just days ago, Claressa Shields was her usual upbeat self. She spoke confidently about future fights, especially a potential clash with unified welterweight champion Lauren Price. But fans were left stunned when the undisputed champion revealed she was grappling with an unimaginable personal tragedy.
Earlier this year, the Flint, Michigan, native made history by defeating Danielle Perkins to become boxing’s first three-division undisputed champion. Since then, speculation about her next opponent has ramped up. She was in Las Vegas to watch Mikaela Mayer’s title defense. While a Mayer bout seems unlikely at this stage, talks of a catchweight showdown with Price, perhaps between 154 and 160 pounds, have been circulating. Amid these professional highlights, Shields took to social media with heartbreaking news: she had lost her nephew in a stabbing incident.
Claressa Shields breaks silence on family tragedy
“My heart been so heavy this past 2 weeks,” wrote the multi-division world champion. Then she added the news about her nephew’s sad demise. ” I need therapy, sh*t. My nephew being taken from us……. Naw, man. Naw,” said Shields.
My heart been so heavy this past 2 weeks
I need therapy sh*t. My nephew being taken from us……. Naw man. Naw
— Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) April 5, 2025
The post drew an outpouring of support. Naji Chill responded, “Praying for you, gwoat.” While fans rallied around her, promoter Lou DiBella also reached out in support: “Condolences.” A story published by ‘Hip Hop Vibe’ shed light on the deeply personal tragedy Claressa Shields is facing.
It appears that on April 1, Shields’ nephew was fatally stabbed. In a cruel twist of fate, her sister was involved in a serious car accident shortly after she learned of the stabbing. Though her sister survived, the series of events left Shields shaken. In a video message, she shared, “Today has been one of those days where I can’t even. It’s so bad today, not about my own personal life. Nothing happened to me, just with my family. My nephew got stabbed, and he died. And then after, my younger sister got into a car accident. She’s okay. But today has been one of those days.”
When reality sank in: the moment Shields knew it was real
Given the timing, April 1st, April Fool’s Day, initially, Shields thought the call was a prank. “When I first heard, I thought it was a joke,” she said before adding, “But as I learned more, I knew it was real.”
While she continues to process the trauma, Shields has been candid about needing help. Fans, fellow fighters, and the wider boxing world have extended their sympathy and prayers as she navigates this painful chapter.
In the ring, Shields’ interest in facing Lauren Price remains genuine. Price, a fellow Olympic gold medalist who recently unified the welterweight division by defeating Natasha Jonas, could make for a marquee opponent. Though it remains unconfirmed, a potential catchweight could bridge the gap between their divisions.
For now, the focus remains on Shields’ healing, both emotionally and mentally.
If you’d like to share a message of support for Claressa Shields during this difficult time, feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments below.
The post “I Need Therapy”: Claressa Shields Mourns Tragic Loss After Close Family Member Passes Away Unexpectedly appeared first on EssentiallySports.