Boxer Claressa Shields, a multi-division champion and undefeated boxer, recently opened up about the impact her success has had on her family relationships.
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Ahead of her February 2nd match against Danielle Perkins in Flint, Michigan, Shields appeared on the “Art of Ward” Podcast with Andre Ward. The conversation touched on her fame and wealth, which she has amassed through her successful career in the ring.
Shields explained that while she has provided for her family, her generosity led to expectations that strained her relationships.
“I bought every last one of my siblings a car,” she shared. “My mama a house, my mama two cars, my daddy a car. [I] helped [my dad] with his bills, help mama with her bills, help my sister take care of her three kids.”
Despite her efforts, Shields noted that her sister Briana’s children live with her, and she regularly attends teacher conferences, yet the more she gave, the more resentment seemed to grow.
“It seemed like the more you do, the more that they don’t like you,” she said, fighting back tears. “You work so hard to make all this money and to have a good life for yourself and then the people who you wanna share it with, they just change on you.”
Reflecting on her isolation, she said, “People say it’s lonely at the top but damn, this lonely,” adding, “Family shouldn’t be like that.”
