When I was 16, coming up through now at 24, it was so much I thought I had to change about myself. Especially after I won the Olympics.
— Claressa Shields
I grew up on North Saginaw, the north side of Flint, which is considered the worst part and I was able to make it; I was able to make it by just making smart decisions from a very young age.
Flint is not a hopeless city and I mean that.
I'm just the undisputed champion - I am great as I think I am and I've been able to prove it by taking on these big challenges and beating these girls who they say cannot be beaten.
I tell all kids and the girls growing up that you control your own life, you control your destiny - not where you're born, not who your parents are.
There's not a woman in this world that can beat me if we put on a pair of gloves and we fight. I've accomplished so much.
