Claressa Shields has a clear message for any NFL player eyeing a bout with Logan Paul: put in the time before you put on the gloves.
The undisputed middleweight world champion weighed in during an interview on Logan Paul’s recent wave of callouts targeting athletes in professional football.
“I think they all need to train at least six months,” Shields said. “Logan Paul has been there with Floyd Mayweather, so he has some boxing experience, but if the other guys are going to come over, at least give yourself six months so you can at least have a chance of winning.”
Take Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett as a prime example. At 6’4″ and 272 lbs, he represents the kind of physical specimen that might seem untouchable in another sport. But Shields was clear that pure size and strength alone will not carry someone through a technical boxing match.
“You can’t just jump inside the ring,” she said plainly.
When pressed on whether sheer size could give an untrained athlete a meaningful edge, Shields acknowledged its role while holding firm on her central point: preparation is non-negotiable.
“Size matters, but you still got to train,” she explained. “Just because she’s bigger than me and stronger than me don’t mean that she’s going to beat me in a match. She’s still got to train.”
Boxing is a discipline built on footwork, timing, defense, and ring intelligence. No amount of muscle replaces the hours needed to develop those fundamentals, and exhibitions, as Shields noted.
“With actual boxing, because it is technical boxing,” she said. “Yeah, exhibition and everything still goes under boxing rules.”
For those still determined to test themselves regardless, Shields had a candid and cheerful sendoff ready.
“All those guys who want to compete inside the ring, go ahead. Have at it. I’m going to watch. I’m going to laugh. Good for y’all.”
