As the Professional Fighters League prepares for the end of its latest season, the promotion is also looking toward the future. Signing several big names to its roster, the PFL will continue its partnership with boxing’s “G.W.O.A.T.” Claressa Shields.
Shields, the undisputed middleweight champion, signed a multi-year agreement renewal with the PFL. She returns to SmartCage in 2024.
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“It is a privilege to announce the PFL has re-signed the most dominant women’s boxer in the world, Claressa Shields, to a new multi-year agreement,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray.
“Claressa and the PFL share a fighter-first, merit-based value system and take on the world attitude. We are proud to welcome “The GWOAT” back to the PFL and the sport of MMA.”
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The signing guarantees Shields will be a two-sport athlete in 2024. A two-time Olympic gold medalist, Shields turned pro in 2016. "T-Rex" is a three-division champion and the only male or female boxer to hold all four major belts in two weight classes simultaneously.
The Sporting News’ 2022 Women’s Boxer of the Year beat Savannah Marshall in October 2022 to become a two-time undisputed middleweight champion.
In 2020, Shields signed a contract with the PFL and has trained with Roberto Alencar as well as former MMA and boxing champion Holly Holm. Making her debut in June 2021, Shields beat Brittney Elkin via TKO. Her last fight with the promotion was a split decision loss against Abigail Montes in October 2021.
While a rematch against Savannah Marshall and a potential fight against Shadasia Green in the boxing ring is on the table, that won’t stop Shields from entering the cage again.
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“I am excited to return to a fighter-first organization, and I can’t wait to return to The PFL SmartCage,” said Shields. “My goal remains unchanged; I will be the first athlete to hold championships in both boxing and MMA simultaneously. I have grown so much since my first MMA fight and cannot wait to put my skills on display.”
Shields joins a select few who compete in boxing and MMA in the PFL. The organization brought Clay Collard into the fold, secured Jake Paul via an exclusive deal, and recently signed undisputed featherweight boxing champion Amanda Serrano to a contract.