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Claressa Shields Rejects Azerbaijan, Fights for U.S. Olympic Glory

5/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Boxing champion Claressa Shields revealed on “The Ariel Helwani Show” that she turned down an opportunity to represent Azerbaijan at the 2020 Olympics, choosing instead to fight for the United States. With only Andre Ward securing Olympic gold for the US in the past 29 years, Shields aims to reclaim that glory.

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Story summary

Boxing champion Claressa Shields revealed on “The Ariel Helwani Show” that she turned down an opportunity to represent Azerbaijan at the 2020 Olympics, choosing instead to fight for the United States. With only Andre Ward securing Olympic gold for the US in the past 29 years, Shields aims to reclaim that glory.