Claressa Shields Congratulates Angel Reese, But Questions BET Awards Decision: “I Thought Accolades Matter”

Claressa Shields is no stranger to competition—and now, the boxing world champion is throwing a few jabs outside the ring. The self-proclaimed “GWOAT” (Greatest Woman of All Time) voiced her frustration following the BET Awards, where she lost out on the ‘Sportswoman of the Year’ honor to rising WNBA star Angel Reese.

Though Shields offered public congratulations to Reese, she didn’t hide her confusion—or her disappointment.

“I thought accolades matter,” Shields posted bluntly, following the awards ceremony.

Her comment struck a chord across social media, sparking a debate over recognition, merit, and how popularity often trumps performance in high-profile award shows.

An Undeniable Resume

Claressa Shields has one of the most decorated résumés in all of women’s sports. A two-time Olympic gold medalist (2012, 2016), Shields has remained undefeated as a professional boxer and has held multiple world titles across different weight classes. In addition, she has dabbled in MMA, where she also boasts victories.

In 2024 alone, Shields defended her unified middleweight titles and continued to make headlines with her advocacy for gender equality in sports. Her dominance, work ethic, and impact in and out of the ring are undeniable.

For Shields, those credentials made her a frontrunner for any “Sportswoman of the Year” conversation—especially when compared to rising athletes still early in their careers.

The Rise of Angel Reese

Angel Reese, however, has become more than just a basketball player—she’s a pop culture phenomenon.

After winning a national championship with LSU in 2023, Reese became a household name, known for her unapologetic attitude, on-court charisma, and social media savvy. Her move to the WNBA in 2024 only accelerated her rise, with media appearances, endorsement deals, and viral moments fueling her profile.

While Reese’s basketball stats are solid, they don’t (yet) rival Shields’ resume in terms of championships or longevity. Still, she has captivated the public in a way few young athletes do, and that’s where the BET Awards often differ from strictly sports-based honors.

When Popularity Meets Performance

The BET Awards, known for celebrating Black excellence in entertainment, culture, and sports, has long walked the line between honoring athletic excellence and spotlighting cultural impact.

In that light, Reese’s win makes sense. She has become a beacon for a new generation, unapologetically herself and fiercely proud of her identity as a young Black woman in a predominantly white sports culture. She’s spoken about mental health, representation, and resilience—all while performing under the microscope of public opinion.

Still, for Shields and many of her fans, the issue isn’t whether Reese deserved recognition—it’s whether more accomplished athletes are being passed over in favor of those with bigger media buzz.

Fans React: Was Claressa Robbed?

Shields’ comment—“I thought accolades matter”—set off a flurry of reactions online.

Many sided with the boxing champ:

“Claressa Shields has done more for women’s sports than most people realize,” one user posted on X. “She doesn’t get the recognition she deserves because she’s not as ‘marketable.’ It’s sad.”

Another chimed in:

“BET really gave it to Angel Reese over an undefeated boxing legend? This is why people stop taking award shows seriously.”

But others defended Reese:

“Angel Reese is inspiring a whole new wave of young Black girls to chase their dreams. Her impact is bigger than stats right now.”

“It’s not always about who has the most medals—it’s about who’s moving the culture.”

Claressa’s Message: It’s Not Hate, It’s Principle

To her credit, Claressa Shields didn’t lash out at Reese personally. She congratulated the WNBA star and emphasized that her frustration was with the system, not the individual.

“Angel, you’re doing your thing, and I’m proud of you. But I’ve been grinding, winning, and representing for over a decade,” she said in a follow-up video on Instagram. “It’s not hate—it’s just confusing. What more do I have to do?”

That sentiment—shared by many veteran athletes, particularly women of color—speaks to a deeper frustration in the industry. Accolades and awards often reflect media narratives rather than actual accomplishments, and athletes like Shields who aren’t constantly in the headlines can get overlooked, no matter how dominant they are.

A Familiar Struggle for Female Athletes

Shields is not the first female athlete to raise questions about how recognition is distributed. From Serena Williams to Simone Biles, many elite competitors have pointed out the disparity in how female athletic achievement is valued—especially when compared to marketability or celebrity status.

In Shields’ case, the BET Awards may have simply chosen to honor youth, promise, and cultural relevance over established greatness. But the conversation it has sparked—about merit, fame, and fairness—is far from over.

The Takeaway

At 29, Claressa Shields remains at the top of her game, but her latest battle isn’t in the ring—it’s with the perception of what greatness looks like.

Angel Reese’s win isn’t necessarily a loss for Shields. But it is a reminder that in the court of public opinion—and on red carpets—accomplishments alone aren’t always enough. Sometimes, being seen matters more than what you’ve done.

And if that’s the case, Claressa Shields wants the world to know: she’s done a whole lot. Maybe it’s time everyone caught up.