Now financially stable after making just $50,000 in her first fight with Salita Promotions, women's boxing star Claressa Shields has plans to fight two or three times in 2026, take a year off to have a child, continue to increase her paydays and retire by 38.
Shields, 30, has a two-year promotional deal with Salital for a guaranteed $8 million, and expects to rake in almost twice that in 2026 thanks in part to tickets, social media engagement and merchandise sales.
In an interview with The Athletic
on Thursday, the two-time Olympic gold medalist said her agreement with Salita and Wynn Records is for a minimum of four bouts and allows her to discuss possible crossover matches with other promoters.
"I feel like I'm finally getting my just due," Shields told reporters Thursday at the announcement of her promotional deal.
The first boxer of any gender to win two gold medals (2012, 2016) before turning pro, Shields has held all four major belts in three different weight classes at the same time and has also participated in mixed martial arts events. Undefeated in 17 pro fights with titles in five weight classes, she has also pushed for a fight with Laila Ali, though the latter is 47 and has not fought in 18 years.
After defending her four heavyweight belts in July, Shields negotiated with other promotional companies, including Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions, before opting to stay with Salita, run by former boxer Dmitriy Salita. Her new deal included the backing of talent agency Wynn Records, which employs her boyfriend, rapper Papoose, as an executive.
An up-front payment of $3 million, which Shields termed a signing bonus, was high on her priority list as she tested the waters. Other companies offered only $1 million or $2 million guaranteed, she said.
"I'm talking to them, and it seems like my goals are too big, right? And the money I want is too much," Shields told The Athletic.
"Claressa, she's very confident, she's unapologetic about what she feels women's sports and herself should be, and she supports other talented women fighters," Salita said. "But she's the first, she's No. 1 and she's the GWOAT, that's undeniable."
Shields has set lofty goals and believes that starting with the $8 million deal, she can realize her dreams.
"I'm trying to get to where I can make $50 million for one fight, just like Floyd (Mayweather) did, before I retire," Shields said.
There are potential roadblocks, since Shields is often a heavy favorite against lesser known fighters who lack the star power she brings to the ring. As a result, she has changed weight classes to expand her opportunities and boost her ever-growing resume.
--Field Level Media
