Photos by: The Morehouse Boxing Club

By: Dylen Richmond, Staff Writer

This past Tuesday, Morehouse Boxing Club hosted Claressa Shields’ public media workout at the Ray Pac Performing Arts Center. This prepared Shields for her highly anticipated fight with Danielle Perkins for the WBA Female Heavyweight title on Sunday, February 2nd.  

Ray Pac was filled with an inspired crowd of Morehouse students and other boxing fans. They were eager to hear what the two-time Olympic gold medalist and multi-division world champion had to say. She and her interviewer sat in front of her ring that adorned her most notable accolades. Shields went on to share her journey and give advice to the crowd. 

Shields grew up in Flint, Michigan, going to a boxing gym where she was the only girl. She recalled that no day was easy for her, as the boys in the gym felt too embarrassed to let a girl beat them. But it wasn’t her problem; it was theirs.

During her interview, Shields went over the continuing issue of equal pay for women boxers. She describes that professional female fighters can compete in matches just as long as their male counterparts. Still, it would take boxing organizations gradually increasing bout times and allowing them to adjust to it.

“Keep on going!” was Shields’ response to being asked about the message she wanted to leave from her biopic, The Fire Inside. She detailed that it is crucial that you remain resilient when chasing your dreams in life.

After her interview, Shields prepared for her workout providing Morehouse Boxing Club the opportunity to shadow box in the ring. Moni, the club’s publicity chair and the only woman on the team, had the moment to talk with Shields.

Shields stands to the left of Moni

“We were relating to each other,” Moni said. “I told her that I was the only woman on the boxing team.” Shields gave her words of encouragement, wishing her good luck as Moni and the team prepared for their upcoming competition on April 11th.

Morehouse Boxing Club President, Jacobey Bell, organized the event, reaching out to Sheilds’ team to collaborate two weeks in advance. Jacoby spoke on what Shields’ appearance meant to the club and the events success.

“We wanted to promote our women boxers, and with her being the Greatest Women Boxer Ever, we figured we’d reached for the top instead of starting at the bottom,” Bell said. 

Bell also emphasized the message the club wanted to send.  “We not only want to protect our Spelman sisters but teach them to protect themselves,” Jacoby explained. “Morehouse Boxing Club is more than just a club; it is a family, and Shields has become a part of it.”

In the foreseeable future, Morehouse Boxing Club will host its own community service events, including youth camps, women’s only classes, and ongoing recruitment initiatives. The club is grateful for this monumental occasion and will remain focused on its inclusive expansion.            

Copy Edited by: Rece Allen, Sports Editor