What Happened to Claressa Maria Shields?
Claressa Shields is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a multi-division undisputed world champion in professional boxing, widely regarded as 'The GWOAT' (Greatest Woman Of All Time). She holds an undefeated professional boxing record and has also ventured into mixed martial arts. As of August 2026, she is preparing for a significant middleweight title fight, having recently signed a historic $8 million multi-fight deal.
Quick Answer
Claressa Shields, known as 'The GWOAT,' continues her dominant boxing career as of August 2026, maintaining an undefeated professional record of 18-0. She recently secured a groundbreaking $8 million multi-fight partnership with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records. Shields is currently focused on her return to the middleweight division, with a highly anticipated fight against Kaye Scott scheduled for August 15, 2026, where she aims to claim the WBC and WBA middleweight titles and potentially achieve undisputed status in a fourth weight class. Her MMA career is currently on hold to prioritize boxing pursuits.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Born in Flint, Michigan
Claressa Maria Shields was born in Flint, Michigan, where she would later begin her boxing journey.
Wins First Olympic Gold Medal
Shields became the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing at the London Games.
Wins Second Olympic Gold Medal
She made history by becoming the first American boxer, male or female, to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals at the Rio Games.
Professional Boxing Debut
Shields made her professional debut against Franchon Crews-Dezurn, winning by unanimous decision.
Becomes Undisputed Middleweight Champion
Shields defeated Christina Hammer to become the undisputed middleweight world champion, unifying all four major titles.
Achieves Undisputed Light Middleweight Status
She became the first boxer in the four-belt era to be an undisputed world champion in two different weight classes simultaneously by defeating Marie-Eve Dicaire.
MMA Debut Win in PFL
Shields made her mixed martial arts debut with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), securing a TKO victory over Brittney Elkin.
Re-signs Multi-Year MMA Deal with PFL
The Professional Fighters League announced that Shields had re-signed a multi-year agreement to continue her MMA career, with plans to return to the SmartCage in 2024.
Becomes Undisputed Heavyweight Champion
Shields defeated Danielle Perkins by unanimous decision to become the first undisputed female heavyweight champion in boxing history.
Signs Historic $8 Million Multi-Fight Deal
Shields inked a minimum $8 million multi-fight partnership with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records, described as one of the most lucrative deals in women's boxing history.
Defends Undisputed Heavyweight Title in Rematch
She successfully defended her undisputed heavyweight championship against Franchon Crews-Dezurn in a highly anticipated rematch, winning by unanimous decision.
Lauren Price Fight Likely Delayed to 2027
Shields stated that her anticipated blockbuster fight with Lauren Price is likely to be delayed until the first quarter of 2027, as she plans another middleweight bout after her upcoming fight.
Shows Off Weight Loss for Middleweight Return
Shields showcased her physical transformation, highlighting her weight loss as she prepares to drop back down to middleweight for her upcoming fight.
Scheduled Fight vs. Kaye Scott for Middleweight Titles
Shields is scheduled to challenge Kaye Scott for the unified WBC and WBA middleweight titles at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, marking her return to the division and the first time a female boxer headlines at the venue.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Claressa Maria Shields, born on March 17, 1995, in Flint, Michigan, has established herself as one of the most decorated combat sports athletes in history. Her amateur career was marked by unprecedented success, including becoming the first American boxer, male or female, to win consecutive Olympic gold medals in boxing at the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Games.
Shields transitioned to professional boxing in November 2016, making her debut against Franchon Crews-Dezurn. Her professional career has been a rapid ascent through multiple weight classes, achieving undisputed champion status in three divisions faster than any male or female boxer. She first unified titles at super middleweight in 2017, followed by undisputed reigns at middleweight in 2019 and light middleweight in March 2021. Her dominance is attributed to her exceptional skill, ring IQ, and relentless work ethic, allowing her to overcome opponents with superior physical attributes.
In 2021, Shields briefly diversified her career by venturing into mixed martial arts (MMA) with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). She compiled an MMA record of 2 wins and 1 loss, showcasing her athleticism but also the challenges of adapting to a new sport. Despite re-signing a multi-year deal with PFL in August 2023, she has since put her MMA aspirations on hold to concentrate on her boxing legacy.
Her boxing career continued its historic trajectory. In February 2025, Shields defeated Danielle Perkins to become the undisputed female heavyweight champion, a monumental achievement. She successfully defended this title against Lani Daniels in July 2025 and against Franchon Crews-Dezurn in a highly anticipated rematch in February 2026. These victories further solidified her status as 'The GWOAT' and demonstrated her ability to compete and dominate across a wide range of weight classes.
A significant turning point in her recent career came in November 2025 when Shields signed a historic minimum $8 million multi-fight partnership with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records. This deal is considered one of the most lucrative in women's boxing history, aiming to elevate her brand beyond the ring and advocate for equal pay and respect in women's sports. As of August 2026, Shields is preparing for her next major challenge: moving down three weight classes from heavyweight to middleweight to face Kaye Scott for the unified WBC and WBA middleweight titles on August 15, 2026, in Atlanta. This fight marks her first outside Michigan since 2022 and is a strategic move to chase another undisputed title, with a potential blockbuster fight against Lauren Price being discussed for 2027.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Claressa Maria Shields made different choices?