Claressa Shields continues to prove she’s in a league of her own. The undefeated boxing champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist just made BET Awards history. Shields is now the first female boxer ever nominated for the Sportswoman of the Year award at the 2025 BET Awards.
The news was announced alongside this year’s full list of nominees. Shields finds herself in great company with elite Black women athletes like Simone Biles, Coco Gauff, Sha’Carri Richardson, and A’ja Wilson.
Claressa Shields Reacts to Her Historic BET Nomination
Shields didn’t hide her excitement when she heard the news. She took to Instagram to celebrate the historic moment with fans.
“OMG I’m the FIRST Woman boxer to Ever be Nominated for Sportswoman of the Year at the @Betawards! Thank you,” Shields wrote.
This nomination recognizes more than just her latest wins. It’s a tribute to her hard work, fearless attitude, and trailblazing role for women in boxing. Shields’ career includes two Olympic gold medals and multiple world titles in different weight classes.
Why This Nomination Matters for Women in Boxing
Shields’ nomination isn’t just personal — it represents progress for all women in combat sports. For years, boxing has overlooked women athletes on major entertainment platforms. Shields has fought against those odds and succeeded.
By making this year’s BET Awards shortlist, she’s breaking barriers for future generations of women boxers. It’s a major win for representation, proving Black women athletes deserve a spotlight on entertainment’s biggest stages.
Her nickname, “The GWOAT” (Greatest Woman of All Time), feels even more fitting now.
What to Expect from the 2025 BET Awards Ceremony
The 2025 BET Awards will take place on June 9 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The event celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Comedian Kevin Hart returns as host, promising a night of big moments, performances, and surprises.
This year’s nominations are stacked with talent. Rapper Kendrick Lamar leads with 10 nominations, including Album of the Year for GNX and Video of the Year for Not Like Us. Doechii, Drake, Future, and GloRilla follow closely with six nominations each.
Fans can also look forward to tributes honoring iconic BET programming. A special reunion of 106 & Park hosts A.J. Calloway, Free, and Terrence J will take place, along with performances from artists like Bow Wow, Amerie, B2K, and Mya.
A Big Moment for Claressa Shields and Black Women Athletes
This historic BET nod highlights Shields’ impact beyond the boxing ring. As an athlete, entrepreneur, and outspoken advocate for equality in sports, she’s built a legacy that extends into pop culture.
Her nomination alongside other Black women athletes shines a light on the power, resilience, and talent of Black women in sports today. It also reminds audiences why Black women’s achievements deserve front-and-center recognition on every platform.
