Boxing champion Claressa Shields has voiced her surprise after BET honored LSU basketball star Angel Reese with the 2025 Sportswoman of the Year award. Shields, a multiple-time world champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, took to social media to share her thoughts on the selection.
In a post following the announcement, Shields congratulated Reese but admitted she was “confused” by BET’s decision, citing her own accomplishments in the sport of boxing over the past year. “No shade to Angel, she’s talented and has had a great year,” Shields wrote. “But I defended world titles and made history again—just feels like boxing gets overlooked.”
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Fans were quick to chime in, with some agreeing that Shields deserved more recognition, while others praised Reese for her cultural impact and visibility beyond basketball. Reese, known for her bold personality and NCAA title run, has become a rising figure in women’s sports and pop culture.
BET has not responded publicly to Shields’ comments. The moment has sparked a wider conversation online about how award decisions are made and what criteria—athletic success, cultural influence, or media presence—carry the most weight.
As one of the most dominant female boxers in history, Shields continues to make her mark in the ring—but this latest award moment shows that the debate over recognition in women’s sports is far from settled.
