Boxing’s GWOAT Celebrates Latest Victory With Rare Luxury Timepiece
Claressa Shields is the undisputed heavyweight boxing champion. In addition, she is the self-proclaimed “GWOAT” (Greatest Woman of All Time), is making headlines again. However, this time outside the ring. Just weeks after her dominant unanimous decision victory over Lani Daniels on July 26, Shields marked the win with what she called her “first big girl purchase:” a $90,000 Bvlgari Serpenti jewelry watch.
The luxury timepiece, one of only two in existence, features an 18-karat rose gold case, a snake-inspired design adorned with 134 VVS diamonds, and a 26mm face. Its intricate serpent motif aligns with the recent jewelry trend symbolizing transformation. Thus, a fitting emblem for a fighter whose journey has taken her from the challenges of Flint, Michigan to the pinnacle of women’s boxing.
A Celebration of Success
Shields’ purchase came after a milestone fight at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena, where she defended her WBC heavyweight title while claiming the vacant WBO light heavyweight belt. The victory extended her flawless professional record to 16-0, cementing her place in history as the first boxer—male or female—to hold undisputed titles in three weight classes during the four-belt era.
In a series of social media posts, Shields documented the watch-buying experience, accompanied by her boyfriend, rapper Papoose (real name Shamele Mackie). Videos show her unboxing the timepiece and playfully declaring, “This dat fight money,” as Papoose applauds.
“Congrats GWOAT @bvlgari my first big girl purchase—$90K on my wrist! Yes, it’s 1 of 2 of these made,” Shields wrote on Instagram. “Just treating myself!”
A Career Built on Breaking Barriers
Born in Flint in 1995, Shields rose to fame as the first American boxer to win consecutive Olympic gold medals (2012 and 2016). Her professional journey has been equally groundbreaking, with 18 world championships across five weight classes as of 2025. She’s also made her mark in mixed martial arts through the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
Shields’ career earnings have steadily climbed. Analysts estimate she took home $650,000–$700,000 for her July 2024 fight against Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse. Including purses, sponsorships with brands like Nike, Everlast, and Gatorade, and her role in the 2024 biopic The Fire Inside (which grossed $8.1 million), her net worth in 2025 is estimated between $1 million and $5 million.
Reports suggest she earned around $50 million in 2024 alone, placing her among the sport’s top earners—though exact figures are hard to confirm due to private contracts.
Luxury Meets Symbolism
The Bvlgari Serpenti watch is not just a fashion statement; it carries symbolic weight. The serpent, long a motif in high jewelry, represents transformation and resilience. For Shields, it reflects her evolution from a young athlete in a city grappling with poverty and the Flint water crisis, to an Olympic champion, and now, a dominant force in professional boxing.
The watch’s 18k rose gold bracelet and diamond detailing mirror the current maximalist trend in luxury accessories—a style embraced by celebrities and athletes who view statement pieces as both personal rewards and symbols of success.
A Viral Moment
The story caught firethis afternoon, when @SaycheeseDGTL shared a photo of Shields with the watch, alongside her social media caption. Within hours, the post had over 26,000 views, 483 likes, and dozens of replies. A handful of outlets on social media quickly picked it up, framing it as part of Shields’ post-fight glow-up.
The clips of Shields holding stacks of cash while showcasing the watch drew comparisons to boxing’s long tradition of athletes flaunting wealth—most famously by Floyd Mayweather, whose high-end watch collection has been valued in the millions.
Divided Reactions on X
Public reaction to Shields’ purchase was far from unanimous. A collection of more than 100 replies, quotes, and related posts revealed three main camps:
Positive/Supportive (~30%)Supporters praised Shields for rewarding herself after years of dedication:
“She deserve it…”
“Flex on ’em, queen!”
“Baller move, Claressa! That’s how you get that bag.”Many framed it as a proud moment for women in sports, celebrating her as a role model who has earned the right to spend freely.
Negative/Critical (~50%)Critics questioned the purchase’s value or mocked her for flaunting it:
“That’s a trash watch! Who is she?”
“Why don’t people focus on investments instead of jewelry?”
“She needs to knock her jeweler out for offloading that piece on her.”Some remarks veered into misogyny and racialized critiques, echoing the double standard where male athletes often escape similar scrutiny for lavish buys.
Neutral/Mixed/Humorous (~20%)Others responded with curiosity, jokes, or observational takes:
“Who is she?” (from those unfamiliar with her career).
“That boxing money ain’t no joke huh?”
“Pap done tapped into some fresh oil.”
Gender, Race, and Wealth in Sports
The backlash against Shields’ watch purchase has reopened conversations about how society perceives women—especially Black women—displaying wealth. While boxers like Oleksandr Usyk, who earned an estimated $120 million in 2025, receive little criticism for similar extravagance, Shields’ spending sparked debates about financial literacy, humility, and image.
Shields herself has been outspoken on issues of pay equity in boxing, highlighting the gap between men’s and women’s purses. She’s also emphasized the importance of celebrating women’s success without imposing outdated expectations of modesty.
The GWOAT’s Next Moves
Shields shows no signs of slowing down. With her latest title defense behind her, she remains a sought-after figure in both boxing and entertainment. Her biopic The Fire Inside, starring Ryan Destiny, introduced her story to a broader audience, while her social media presence keeps her connected to fans.
Whether the $90,000 watch is viewed as an indulgence or an earned reward, it has succeeded in keeping Shields in the spotlight—on her own terms. As she continues to dominate in the ring and expand her brand outside of it, moments like this illustrate how the GWOAT controls her narrative.
Final Word
From Olympic gold medals to multimillion-dollar fight purses, Claressa Shields has turned a childhood dream into an empire. The Bvlgari Serpenti on her wrist is more than a watch—it’s a milestone marker, a symbol of how far she’s come, and a statement that she plans to enjoy the rewards of her hard work.
In her own words: “Just treating myself!”
