Precisely what kinds of new tricks—or ring rust—we’ll see out of the middleweight champ remains to be seen when she returns to the ring this weekend.
Adam CaparellClaressa Shields
Claressa Shields is an American professional boxer and mixed martial artist celebrated for her groundbreaking success in women’s combat sports. She was born Claressa Maria Shields on March 17, 1995, in Flint, Michigan, USA. She won Olympic gold medals in 2012 and 2016, becoming the first American boxer to secure back-to-back Olympic titles, and later unified all major middleweight boxing belts to become the undisputed champion. In 2020, Shields made a high-profile transition to MMA, signing with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where her precise boxing skills and strategic striking have set her apart in the cage. Shields’ relevance in combat sports comes from her rare ability to excel at the highest levels in both boxing and MMA, challenging traditional boundaries between the two disciplines. Audiences follow her fights not only for her technical prowess but also to see how she leverages her boxing pedigree to influence women’s MMA competition, expanding the possibilities for female fighters navigating multiple combat arenas.
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Caitlin Clark, Simone Biles, and A’ja Wilson are among the women reshaping what influence in sports can look like.
Olivia TauberLatest Stories
Terence Crawford Tells Claressa Shields to Leave Laila Ali Alone
Crawford said that Ali "paved the way" for the first women's boxing Olympian.
Jaelani Turner-Williams1 day ago
Claressa Shields Says She 'Doesn't Know' Many of Remy Ma's Songs
The professional boxer said Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion are among her favorites in female rap.
Jaelani Turner-Williams1 day ago
Remy Ma Explains Why She's 'The Perfect Girl' for a Partner
The rapper praised herself for being the plug along with knowing how to cook.
Jaelani Turner-Williams2 days ago
Claressa Shields Reacts to Adrien Broner's 45-Day Fitness Challenge: 'He Just Needs Motivation'
"They really don’t understand that [Broner] has been to the highest heights in boxing… Real world champion,” Shields wrote.
Trey Alston15 days ago
Claressa Shields Slams Jake Paul and MVP Following Ban: ‘Take the Heels Off’
The boxing champion accused Jake Paul and MVP of hypocrisy while revisiting past criticism surrounding her MMA loss and ongoing tensions with Alycia Baumgardner.
Mark Elibert68 days ago
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Claressa Shields Banned From MVP Events After Alycia Baumgardner Incident
Inside the VIP clash, zero-tolerance ban, and years of bad blood between women’s boxing champions Claressa Shields and Alycia Baumgardner.
Bernadette Giacomazzo72 days ago
Claressa Shields Turns Boxing Gym Into Lingerie Shoot
The Olympian boxer leans into fashion and beauty with a Damani shoot, expanding her presence beyond the ring.
Bernadette Giacomazzo87 days ago
Claressa Shields Denies 50 Cent's Claims She Cheated on Papoose With G-Unit Affiliate
She hopped on Instagram Live to deny an alleged affair Maserati Bud.
Trey Alston137 days ago
50 Cent Trolls Papoose With Claressa Shields Post as Feud Escalates
The post comes as Papoose releases new diss tracks and 50 Cent teases upcoming music produced by Hit-Boy.
Mark Elibert138 days ago
Claressa Shields Claps Back at Shannon Sharpe for Saying She Can’t Fight Men: ‘I’ll Sparr Rolly’
Sharpe recently said Shields can’t beat a male fighter—and that men's and women's leagues exist for a reason.
Alex Ocho142 days ago
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Claressa Shields Says She Wants to Surprise Papoose With a Baby for His Birthday
The professional boxer said that she and the rapper are "planning" for a child by the end of 2026.
Jaelani Turner-Williams150 days ago
Claressa Shields Dominates Franchon Crews-Dezurn to Stay Undefeated
Claressa Shields outboxed Franchon Crews-Dezurn in their rematch, earning a unanimous decision and staying undefeated at 18-0.
Bernadette Giacomazzo157 days ago
Claressa Shields Praises Rival Franchon Crews-Dezurn Ahead of Title Fight
Their 2016 pro debuts started it all. Now Shields and Crews-Dezurn run it back in a high-stakes title clash with history on the line.
Bernadette Giacomazzo158 days ago
AOC Slams Jake Paul for Calling Bad Bunny a ‘Fake American Citizen'
AOC also called Paul out for moving to Puerto Rico to "avoid paying your taxes."
tara mahadevan170 days ago
Claressa Shields Fires Back at Jake Paul Over Bad Bunny Comment: 'Not Today'
Claressa Shields fired back at Jake Paul after he called Bad Bunny a 'fake American citizen,' defending Puerto Ricans in a pointed response on X.
Bernadette Giacomazzo171 days ago
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Sugar Ray Leonard Praises Claressa Shields: 'I Really Like What I See'
The legendary boxer reflected on his career and the future of boxing with Brandon 'Scoop B' Robinson.
Bernadette Giacomazzo186 days ago
50 Cent Responds to Alleged Papoose Diss: 'LOL Y’all TRASH!'
50 Cent joked that he couldn't "get jiggy" with the alleged diss track.
Jaelani Turner-Williams203 days ago
Claressa Shields Tells 50 Cent to ‘STFU’ Amid Papoose Beef
The boxing champion defended Papoose and accused 50 Cent of trolling, spreading lies, and clout-chasing as their online feud escalates.
Mark Elibert207 days ago