Claressa Shields Speaks Out After Losing Sportswoman of The Year To Angel Reese At The 2025 BET Awards

Claressa Shields stirred conversation online after expressing her disappointment over losing the Sportswoman of the Year award to Angel Reese at the 2025 BET Awards, held on June 9 in Los Angeles.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the boxing champion posted,

“Still don’t know how I didn’t win the Sportswoman of the Year for the BET Awards, but Congrats to Angel Reese and all the other nominees. I just thought accolades mattered.”

The post quickly sparked backlash from fans who felt Shields came off as a sore loser.

“Girl don’t get on here complaining. You’re talented, don’t let that get overshadowed because you appear to come not as a sore loser. Just delete the tweet, say congratulations and keep it moving,” one user commented.

In response, Shields clarified that her issue wasn’t with Reese directly, but with the award criteria.

“Ain’t nobody saying Angel Reese don’t have accolades or she not good…. I’m saying I thought the person with ‘THE MOST’ accolades & accomplishments would win the Award. I’m team Angel Reese!”

She followed up with another message, pushing back against claims of jealousy or hate.

“I’m not joining in on any hate train when it comes to Angel Reese. I have mad respect for her and all the other female athletes that excel in their sport. As for my earlier comments, I am allowed to express my feelings. I was shocked I didn’t win, I was under the impression the category was graded on accolades of your sport. It’s ok to be a competitor.”

Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and undefeated professional boxer, has long been vocal about being underappreciated despite her accomplishments in combat sports. Angel Reese, meanwhile, has skyrocketed in popularity both on and off the court after leading LSU to a national title and recently being drafted into the WNBA.

While the moment sparked debate about recognition, popularity, and merit in award voting, both athletes have continued to show mutual respect in the face of controversy.