Boxer Claressa Shields calls out Jake Paul to fight

(This article originally appeared on USA TODAY.)

Boxer Claressa Shields is gearing up for a world title heavyweight bout against Danielle Perkins on Feb. 2, but she is open to talking about facing someone else.

Jake Paul.

“I don’t know if it’s something that can happen, but I know that I can defeat Jake Paul and those who oppose that are simply being sexist and don’t understand boxing,” Shields, the most decorated female boxer in history, told USA TODAY Sports. “It’s odd to me that they believe a YouTuber can defeat a female boxer with two Olympic gold medals, numerous world titles, and experience fighting as a heavyweight…

“He lacks the experience. They may talk about power, but you need the skills to land a punch.”

A representative for Paul did not respond immediately to voicemail and text message requests for comment.

Shields, 29, holds a professional record of 15-0 with three knockouts. She stands at 5-foot-8 and is expected to weigh around 175 pounds for her upcoming heavyweight bout.

Paul, 27, has a record of 11-1 with seven knockouts and has primarily fought as a cruiserweight, with a maximum weight of 200 pounds at weigh-in. He recently defeated Mike Tyson by unanimous decision, a victory that did not impress Shields.

“Jake Paul showed that he hasn’t improved his skills,” she remarked. “He needs to train harder and better. Honestly, I believe the opponent I’m currently preparing to face, Danielle Perkins, could also beat Jake Paul.”

Shields’ issue with Paul seems to stem partly from Paul choosing Savannah Marshall to defeat Shields in 2022. Shields suffered her only defeat against Marshall in 2012 at the world championships as an amateur.

She later avenged the loss by defeating Marshall by unanimous decision.

“(Paul) tried to apologize and all that other stuff after picking Savannah to beat me in a fight,” Shields stated. “But that apology is meaningless. Fight me.”