Claressa Shields – Biography, Stats, MMA Retirement & 2025 Plans
Claressa Shields is a top boxer. She wins a lot. Born in Flint, Michigan, she started boxing as a kid. She never stops. Her story helps many people who like sports and strong girls. This page tells all about her life, big wins, and what comes next.
Who Is Claressa Shields? Fast Facts
Claressa Shields1 is the best in boxing. She has many belts. People call her GWOAT. That means Greatest Woman of All Time. She works hard to get here.
Here is a table with the main facts:
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Claressa Maria Shields |
| Date of Birth | March 17, 1995 (age 30) |
| Place of Birth | Flint, Michigan, U.S. |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Weight Classes | Light middleweight, middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight, heavyweight |
| Early Life | Born and raised in Flint, Michigan, began boxing at age 11 at Berston Field House, influenced by his father, Bo Shields, and grandmother; baptized at 13, and found strength in Christian faith. |
| Amateur Career Highlights | Undefeated 25-0 before 2012 Olympics; gold medals in middleweight at 2012 and 2016 Olympics (first American woman to win Olympic boxing gold; first American with consecutive Olympic boxing medals); overall amateur record: 77 wins (18 KOs), 1 loss; won Val Barker Trophy in 2016. |
| Professional Career Highlights | Turned pro in 2016; 17-0 record (3 KOs) as of 2025; holds 18 major world titles across 5 divisions; fewest fights to win titles in 2 (6), 3 (10), 4 (15), and 5 (15) divisions; ranked #1 female light heavyweight by BoxRec2; #1 pound-for-pound by ESPN and The Ring (as of August 2025). |
| Major Titles | Undisputed champion in light middleweight (2021), middleweight (2019-2020, 2022-2024), and heavyweight (2025); WBC/IBF super middleweight (2017-2018); WBO light heavyweight (2024-2025); only woman to hold all four major titles in three weight classes. |
| Olympic Achievements | Gold, middleweight: 2012 London Olympics; Gold, middleweight: 2016 Rio Olympics. |
| MMA Career | Professional Fighters League (PFL); record: 2-1 (1 KO, 1 decision win); debuted in 2021; retired from MMA on May 19, 2025. |
| Other Activities | Actress in “Punch Me” (2016) and “The Fire Inside” (2024); subject of documentary “T-Rex: Her Fight for Gold” (2015); The Ring magazine cover (2016); ambassador for Up2Us Sports and gender equality; signed $8 million multi-fight deal in November 2025. |
| Personal Life | From Flint, Michigan, pescatarian diet (2021); in relationship with rapper Papoose (public 2024); Flint street renamed in her honor (2022); introduced Joe Biden at 2012 campaign event. |
| Recent Updates (2025) | Became undisputed heavyweight champion (Feb 2025); retained titles vs. Lani Daniels (July 2025); vacated WBO light heavyweight title (March 2025); eyeing 2026 return. |
This table shows her life quickly. Now we go slowly.
Early Days: Life in Flint, Michigan
Claressa Shields was born on March 17, 1995. The place is Flint, Michigan. Flint has a hard time. Like bad water. But she grew strong.
Her dad is Bo Shields. He boxed. He went to jail when she was little. At first, he said no to girls’ boxing. Her grandma said yes. Go try.
At 11 years old, she went to Berston Field House. Coach Jason saw her. He helped a lot.
Life was not easy. She slept on the floor. Food was not always there. Bad things happened. But she found God at 13. She got baptized. Faith gave her power.
She said on a show, “Pain made me. Fire keeps me going.”
Flint made her who she is. In 2022, a street got her name. She helps kids there. She works with Up2Us Sports.
Her story fits African-American athletes. They beat big problems. She helps girls in hard places. If you have tough days, think of her. Start small.
First Boxing Steps: Amateur Wins
Before pro, she was great in amateur. Her numbers: 77 wins. 18 by knockout. Only 1 loss.
She won young. Two Junior Olympic golds. In 2011, she was top of the Police League.
In 2012, she was 17. She won the U.S. Trials. Beat big names like Franchón. Then the London Olympics. Gold in the middleweight. First U.S. woman to win an Olympic boxing gold medal.
She beat a strong foe 19 to 12.
In 2016, Rio. Gold again. First American to win two in a row for boxing. She got the Val Barker Trophy. Best boxer.
Her one loss? Claressa Shields vs Savannah Marshall in 2012. But she came back.
Amateur time taught her. Move fast. Hit hard. Her record shows grit.
For kids who box:
- Train each day.
- Get a good coach.
- Trust yourself.
Claressa Shields’ Olympic medal history has two golds. She held the U.S. flag at Pan Am close.
Going Pro: New Start
In 2016, she turned pro. First fight on November 19. Vs. Franchón. Won on points at a big arena.
She grew quickly. 2017, NABF middle title. TKO over Szilvia.
First woman main on ShoBox.
Then WBC Silver super middle.
Her pro Claressa Shields record is 17 wins, 0 losses. 3 KOs.
She fights right-handed. Height helps.
The pro gave money. Fame. But she wants respect.
Getting Belts: Champ in Many Groups
| Year | Event/Fight | Opponent | Result | Titles Won/Defended | Notes |
| 2017 | Super middleweight debut | Nikki Adler | TKO | WBC, IBF | First major titles |
| 2018 | Title defense | Tori Nelson | Decision | Retained WBC, IBF; Added WBAN | – |
| 2018 | Moved to middleweight | Hanna Gabriel | Decision | WBA, IBF | First pro knockdown, but won |
| 2018 | Title win | Hannah Rankin | Decision | WBC | – |
| 2018 | End-of-year fight | Femke Hermans | Decision | – | On HBO’s last boxing show |
| 2019 | Undisputed middleweight | Christina Hammer | Unanimous Decision | WBO, The Ring (added to existing) | Shutout win; No points lost |
| 2020 | Light middleweight | Ivana Habazin | Decision | WBC, WBO | Fastest to titles in 3 divisions |
| 2021 | Undisputed light middleweight | Marie-Eve Dicaire | Decision | All four major belts | First woman in four-belt era for 2 divisions |
| 2022 | Return to middleweight | Ema Kozin | Decision | Retained | – |
| 2022 | Major rematch | claressa shields vs savannah marshall | Decision | Undisputed middleweight again | – |
| 2023 | Title defense | Maricela Cornejo | Decision | Retained | – |
| 2024 | Light heavyweight & heavyweight | Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse | TKO | WBC heavyweight, WBO light heavyweight | Moved up two divisions |
| 2025 | Undisputed heavyweight | claressa shields vs danielle perkins | Decision | IBF, WBA, WBO (added) | Became the undisputed heavyweight |
| 2025 (March) | Title vacancy | – | Vacated | WBO light heavyweight | Strategic move |
| 2025 (July) | Title defense | claressa shields vs lani daniels | Unanimous Decision | Retained heavyweight titles | Easy win |
| Overall | Career totals | – | 17-0 (3 KOs) | 18 major world titles across 5 divisions | Only woman to hold all four major titles in three weight classes; #1 in BoxRec, boxing pound-for-pound rankings; 143 rounds fought, 17% KO rate |
Numbers: 143 rounds. KO 17%.
Watch Claressa Shields highlights. See her move.
Try MMA: Mixed Martial Arts
Claressa Shields signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in 2020. She wanted to test her boxing skills in MMA. She trained at Jackson Wink MMA Academy in New Mexico. The work was hard. She learned to wrestle and fight on the ground. This helped her with boxing, too. She got better at moving and staying strong in long fights.
Her first MMA fight was on June 10, 2021. It was PFL 4. She fought Brittney Elkin. Shields won by TKO in round 3 at 4:04. She hit hard on the ground. It was a big start.
Then, on October 15, 2021, she fought Abigail Montes at PFL 10. She lost by a split decision. The scores were 29-28, 28-29, 29-28. It was close. She learned from the loss.
Her last fight was on February 24, 2024. It was PFL vs. Bellator in Saudi Arabia. She beat Kelsey DeSantis by split decision. Scores were 29-28, 28-29, 29-28. She fought at 165 pounds. She missed the 155-pound limit.
She ended with 2 wins and 1 loss. One win by knockout. One by points.
| Date | Event | Opponent | Result | How | Round/Time | Weight | Note |
| June 10, 2021 | PFL 4 | Brittney Elkin | Win | TKO | 3 / 4:04 | 155 lbs | First fight. Strong finish. |
| Oct 15, 2021 | PFL 10 | Abigail Montes | Loss | Points | 3 / 5:00 | 155 lbs | Close fight. |
| Feb 24, 2024 | PFL vs Bellator | Kelsey DeSantis | Win | Points | 3 / 5:00 | 165 lbs | Missed weight. Last fight. |
On May 19, 2025, Shields said she was done with MMA. She told Ariel Helwani on his show. She said MMA takes too much time. She is 30 now. She wants to focus on boxing. She has big fights coming. Like her win over Lani Daniels in July 2025 in Detroit.
She said, “I had fun. I proved I could do it. Three fights were enough.”
Her MMA time was short. But it showed she is brave. Many boxers do not try MMA. She did. It made her a better fighter. Now she is back to boxing full-time. She is the GWOAT. Her Claressa Shields MMA story is over. But her boxing story keeps going.
Claressa Shields Steps Outside the Ring
Claressa Shields shows her story in movies and ads. She works to help girls in sports, too.
| Year | What She Did | Details |
| 2015 | Documentary | “T-Rex: Her Fight for Gold” tells of her young life and first Olympic win. |
| 2016 | Short Film | “Punch Me” – she acts in this small movie. |
| 2016 | Magazine Cover | The Ring puts her on the front. Only the third woman ever. |
| 2018 | Walmart Ad | She stars in a TV commercial for the big store. |
| 2024 | Big Movie | “The Fire Inside” comes out. Ryan Destiny plays Claressa. It shows her full story. |
Claressa pushes for gender equality in sports. She works with Up2Us Sports. This group helps kids play and learn. She wants girls to box and win like her.
Watch the Claressa Shields movie or Claressa Shields documentary, or film. They show how she fights for more than belts. She fights for change.
Claressa Shields: A Look at Her Personal Side
Claressa Shields comes from Flint, Michigan. That’s her hometown. She grew up there with hard times, but a strong family. Her dad, Bo Shields, boxed too. Her mom is Marcella Adams. She has brothers Dusable Lewis and Artis Mack. Her sister is Briana Shields. Flint shaped her fight spirit.
Since 2021, Claressa has been eating a pescatarian diet. That means fish is okay. No other meat. It keeps her strong for fights. She picks healthy food to stay fit.
In 2024, she started dating rapper Papoose. He is Shamele Mackie. His old girlfriend Remy Ma made some news trouble. But Claressa stays calm. She focuses on her work.
Claressa has no kids right now. She wants them one day. In 2014, she tried to take in her cousin’s girl named Clarissa. It lasted eight months. The court said no after that. She wants to help young girls through her wins.
Is Claressa Shields married? No. Her boyfriend is Papoose. They keep things private but public now.
Claressa Shields’ husband? She does not have one. Just the boyfriend.
Claressa Shields’ daughter? No. But she tried that adoption in 2014.
In 2022, Flint gave her a big gift. They named a street for her. It’s Claressa Shields Way. People there cheer her on.
Back in 2012, she met Joe Biden. She helped bring him on stage for his run. She was just 17 then. It was a cool moment.
God plays a big part in her life. She is Christian. At age 13, she got baptized. Faith gives her power through tough spots. She says it fuels her fire.
Claressa Shields’ age is 30. She was born on March 17, 1995. So, how old is Claressa Shields? Turn 31 next March.
She stands, how tall is Claressa Shields? 5 feet 8 inches. That’s 173 cm. Her arms reach 68 inches. It helps her hit from safe spots in the ring. Claressa Shields’ height and reach make her a tall fighter in her group.
Claressa Shields’ Big Year: 2025 Wins and New Deal
2025 has been a top year for Claressa Shields. She won big fights and signed a huge money deal. Fans love her story. She keeps breaking rules in women’s boxing.
In February, she fought Danielle Perkins. It was February 2 in Flint, Michigan. At Dort Financial Center. Shields won by points.
Scores were 100-89, 97-92, 99-90. She knocked Perkins down in round 10. Just 20 seconds left. That made her the undisputed heavyweight champ.
First woman ever in three weight classes with all four belts. She said it felt great. Hard camp, but God helped. Her record went to 16-0.
In March, Shields gave up her WBO light heavyweight belt. She wanted to focus on heavyweight. Smart move to keep her top spot.
July brought another win. July 26 in Detroit. At Little Caesars Arena. Vs. Lani Daniels. Shields kept her heavyweight titles. Won by points again.
Scores 100-90, 99-91, 99-91. A big crowd of 15,000 came. Sold out. Daniels tried to run early. But Shields hit hard later. Body shots hurt. Shields said Daniels did not fight much till the end. Her record is now 17-0.
On November 6, big news hit. Shields signed a two-year deal. With Salita Promotions and Wynn Records. At least $8 million. One of the best for women’s boxers.
No set number of fights. She told CBS Mornings it feels right. “Getting my just due.” It mixes boxing with music and fun. Promoter Dmitriy Salita said she is the best. Her story changes sports.
How Claressa Shields Trains to Stay on Top
Claressa Shields works hard each day to win. She runs miles to build legs. She spars in the ring with partners. She lifts weights for strong arms and back. This mix keeps her fast and tough.
Her Claressa Shields training routine focuses on two big things. Speed: to move quickly. Power to hit hard. She jumps rope a lot. She hits the heavy bag nonstop. Footwork drills make her dance around foes.
Look at her Claressa Shields boxing style analysis. She fights orthodox. Right-hand leads. She throws punches first. Do not wait. Her guard stays high to block hits. She uses the long reach well. At 5 feet 8, she controls distance.
Her Claressa Shields stats show results. Pro record 17 wins, 0 losses. Only 3 knockouts. But she wins points smartly. Fights 143 rounds total. KO rate 17 percent.
Want to train like her? Follow these easy box tips.
First, train the same every day. No skip days. The body gets used to working.
Second, eat well. Try fish like her. No junk. Good food gives energy.
Third, pray or think strongly. The mind wins fights, too. Stay calm under pressure.
Boxing fitness and training start simply. Claressa shows the way. Start small. Build up. You can get strong too.
Money: How Much?
Claressa Shields’ net worth: Up high.
Fights. Ads.
2025 deal $8 million at least.
Claressa Shields’ net worth 2025: Over $5 million, maybe.
Claressa Shields’ sponsorships and endorsements.
Claressa Shields’ USA Today3 multi-fight deal: Helps the rich.
Social: Stay Close
Claressa Shields’ social media: She posts.
Instagram: Fights4. Life.
X: Quick words5.
Facebook6: For fans.
Claressa Shields Instagram / Twitter / YouTube: Follow.
Claressa Shields’ YouTube channel: See talks.
She said, “I am a beast.”
Claressa Shields’ motivational quotes: Bad words make me win.
Claressa Shields: The Queen of Combat Sports
Claressa Shields leads women in combat sports. She is the boss in the ring. No one tells her what to do.
She is a female empowerment athlete. She breaks old boy rules. Girls see her and know they can fight too.
Claressa is a woman breaking barriers in boxing. She is the first at many things. First U.S. woman Olympic gold medal. First with all belts in three weights.
She fights for equality in sports. She wants the same pay for women. Her big 2025 deal helps show the way.
Black girls watch her. This is a representation of women’s sports. From Flint, she shows you can win big.
Claressa is one of the trailblazing athletes. She tries MMA. She acts. She does more than box.
Her life is one of the best sports empowerment stories. From hard start to world champ. Pain makes her strong.
In 2025, she is one of the female sports icons 2025. Top of the list. Fans love her.
She helps women’s boxing. The sport grows because of her. More girls join.
To all girls: You can box. Pick up gloves. Train hard. Be like Claressa Shields. The sky is yours.
Claressa Shields’ Big Firsts and Top Marks
Claressa Shields sets new highs in boxing. She makes history every time she fights. Here are her key wins and firsts.
How many world titles does Claressa Shields have? She holds 18 big belts. No other woman comes close.
Is Claressa Shields undefeated? Yes, in pro fights. Her record stands at 17 wins, 0 losses.
She moves fast to new weight groups. Wins titles quickly. Fewest fights to rule two, three, four, and five classes.
She is the undisputed world title holder in three weights. Light, middle, and heavy. All four main belts each time.
She ruled as the women’s middleweight champion two times. From 2019 to 2020. Then 2022 to 2024.
Among professional women boxers, she is the best. Top pound-for-pound by ESPN and The Ring.
Claressa joins boxing legends of the modern era. Her name sits with the greats. She changes the game.
In female boxing, she writes a new page. Firsts everywhere. From Olympic golds to multi-weight queen.
What’s Next for Claressa Shields: Fights and Big Dreams
Claressa Shields keeps her eyes on more wins. After her big $8 million deal in November 2025, she plans to fight two more times this year. Her team says she wants to stay busy. She holds all heavyweight belts now. She looks to add to her 18 titles.
When is Claressa Shields’ next fight? It comes soon after the deal. She faces Franchón Crews-Dezurn. Her old rival from 2016. No date yet. But early 2026. Fans call it a rematch for the ages. Franchón is 10-2 now. Shields says she is ready to shut the talk down.
Claressa Shields’ future fights / 2025 plans stay strong. She has two bouts left this year. One against Franchón. The other? Maybe a new foe like Savannah Marshall. She wants to defend heavy titles. Travel to Europe or Africa. Build her name globally. Her promoter Dmitriy Salita says more big shows are coming.
Talk of Claressa Shields vs Savannah Marshall rematch 2025 heats up. They fought in 2022. Shields won all middle belts. Fans want round two. At heavy maybe. Shields said on X it could happen. “Why not? Let’s run it back.”
| Plan | Details | Why It Matters |
| Next Fight | Vs. Franchón Crews-Dezurn, early 2026 | Rematch from debut; Test for undisputed belts |
| 2025 Fights | Two more total | Keep momentum after July win over Lani Daniels |
| Possible Rematch | Vs. Savannah Marshall | Fan favorite; Could be at heavyweight |
| Long Goal | Global shows | Grow women’s boxing worldwide |
Want to see her shine? Check Claressa Shields’ career highlights video online. YouTube has full fights. Search her channel for knockouts and golds.
To watch Claressa Shields fight live stream, find DAZN. They show most bouts. Get tickets early on Ticketmaster. Her shows sell fast.
Claressa wants her name forever. She says, “I fight for legacy. Not just belts.” From Flint kid to GWOAT. Her story pushes girls to dream big. More chapters will come soon.
FAQs
What is Claressa Shields’ net worth?
Claressa Shields’ net worth is about $1 million in 2025. This comes from her boxing fights, MMA bouts, and endorsement deals. Some sources estimate it between $1 million and $5 million.
How much is Claressa Shields’ net worth?
Claressa Shields’ net worth stands at roughly $1 million right now. She builds it through championship purses and sponsorships. Higher estimates reach up to $10 million based on recent fights.
What is Claressa Shields’ net worth in 2025?
In 2025, Claressa Shields’ net worth is estimated at $1 million. Her big $1.5 million purse from the February fight boosts it. Other reports suggest $5 million to $10 million total.
What is Claressa Shields’ net worth?
Claressa Shields’ net worth is $1 million as of 2025. Earnings from titles in five divisions and media appearances add up. The range could be $1 million to $5 million per source.
What is boxer Claressa Shields’ net worth?
Boxer Claressa Shields’ net worth is around $1 million. Her undefeated pro record and Olympic golds drive the income. Estimates vary up to $5 million or more.
How much is Claressa Shields’ net worth?
Claressa Shields’ net worth totals about $1 million. From pro bouts since 2016 and PFL contracts. Some projections hit $10 million with new deals.
What is the net worth of Claressa Shields?
The net worth of Claressa Shields is $1 million in 2025. She gained from the fight purses like $1.5 million recently. Broader estimates place it at $5 million to $10 million.
What is Claressa Shields’ net worth?
What is Claressa Shields’ net worth? It’s $1 million. Thanks to her record-breaking titles and endorsements. It could climb to $5 million soon.
What is Claressa Shields’ net worth?
Claressa Shields’ net worth is $1 million for 2025. Built on boxing dominance and outside ventures. Sources differ, up to $10 million possible.
More on Her Fights and Wins
She fights smart. See claressa shields vs perkins. Big win.
When is Claressa Shields’ next boxing match? Watch the news.
Claressa Shields vs Savannah Marshall: Old foe.
Claressa Shields’ fight time: Check TV.
Claressa Shields fight: Fun to see.
Her Look and Style
How tall is Claressa Shields: 5 feet 8.
Long arms help.
Claressa Shields’ boxing: Fast.
Conclusion
Claressa Shields shows the best way. From hard Flint to gold and belts. The 2025 deal means more. She helps women and fighters. Claressa Shields is at the top.
What is her next win? Tell us!
References
- Wikipedia – Claressa Shields – All life facts for boxing fans and girls in sports. ↩︎
- BoxRec – Claressa Shields – Wins and numbers for fight lovers. ↩︎
- USA Today – New Deal – 2025 news for all sportspeople. ↩︎
- Instagram – Pics for young fans. ↩︎
- X – Fast news for the world. ↩︎
- Facebook – For Flint people. ↩︎
