An argument over a red carpet outfit has reopened older grievances between Claressa Shields and Gervonta Davis. The two boxing champions have spent much of the week trading insults, with Papoose eventually stepping in to defend his girlfriend. However, Shields says their problems didn't begin with her fashion choices. She believes Davis has held a grudge against her ever since she publicly declared Shakur Stevenson the better fighter.
In a new social media video, Shields said she and Davis were previously on good terms and had never had any serious personal issues. According to her account, things changed when she began expressing her preference for Stevenson in conversations about boxing. She suggested Davis took her assessment personally, even though it was an opinion about their respective abilities in the ring.
Shields has maintained this position for some time. During a 2024 appearance on Cigar Talk, she ranked Stevenson above several prominent fighters, including Davis. "Shakur is the best. To me, he's better than Tank," she said, arguing that Stevenson's technical abilities and experience against difficult opponents gave him an advantage.
That history has resurfaced as their latest disagreement becomes increasingly personal. Davis initially criticized Shields' revealing outfit from her November 2 listening party in Atlanta, writing, "You look a hot ass mess." Shields responded with insults of her own, including references to the domestic violence allegations against Davis, which he has disputed.
Read More: Gervonta Davis' Claressa Shields Insult Has Papoose Firing Back
Claressa Shields Takes More Shots At Gervonta Davis
Papoose then joined in, mocking Davis' controversial fight with Lamont Roach Jr. Shields wasn't finished, either. On Thursday (Nov. 5), she shared an AI-generated image of Davis wearing the same black lace-up jumpsuit and red boots he had criticized her for wearing. The altered photo placed the revealing cutouts along the front of his outfit rather than the back.
Her accompanying message was considerably less playful. Shields accused Davis of selectively sharing portions of a private exchange with Papoose, claiming he had questioned why the rapper was defending her. She also rejected any suggestion that the two men had a friendship that Papoose was obligated to respect.
"Pap don't have no bro code to you!" she wrote, according to The Shade Room. "That's my man & WE DON'T FK WITH YOU!"
The boxer also accused Davis of spreading claims about her relationships with other fighters, which she denied, and continued criticizing his alleged treatment of women. Davis has denied wrongdoing in legal proceedings involving allegations of domestic violence.
Shields' explanation about Stevenson adds context to a rivalry that predates this week's exchange. Although she has criticized Davis' boxing résumé, she has also publicly praised his abilities, including defending his skills after his March 2025 draw with Roach.
Read More: Claressa Shields Claps Back At Gervonta Davis Over Outfit Diss
