For Claressa Shields, the Best Revenge is Her Paper

What this episode covers

Claressa Shields is one of the most decorated female boxers ever. She’s a two-time Olympic gold medalist and is the only boxer — male or female — to hold undisputed titles in three separate divisions. She’s also currently undefeated.  But for Claressa to climb to the top, she had to face her toughest opponent yet: her past. This week, we relive Claressa’s historic journey to her first Olympics, learn how she finally let go of resentment, and find out what it takes to become a champion.  We’ll also check in with Andreas Hale, a combat sports reporter at ESPN. With Floyd Mayweather’s recent announcement that he’s coming out of retirement, Andreas helps answer the question: How old is too old to compete? Show Notes The Fire Inside  2012 Women’s Middleweight Final | Olympics Claressa Shields fighting for gender equality for women’s boxers | CBS News Claressa Shields: From poverty and abuse to boxing greatness | BBC Sport Mayweather to unretire, resume boxing after Tyson exhibition | ESPN Show Credits Host: David Greene Executive Producers: Joan Isabella, Tom Grahsler Senior Producer: Michael Olcott Producer: Michaela Winberg Associate Producer: Bibiana Correa Talent Booker: Britt Kahn Engineer: Mike Villers, Adam Staniszewski  Tile Art: Bea Walling Sports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.