Claressa Shields will remain in the PFL with her sights on 2024 for a return to the SmartCage. The reigning boxing world champion signed a multi-year agreement to stay with the promotion.
Claressa Shields Inks New Deal With PFL
Claressa Shields is looking towards 2024 for her return to the PFL SmartCage, signing a new multi-year deal with the promotion.
Shields began working towards a career in mixed martial arts in 2020 under Roberto Alencar while remaining a superstar in the boxing world. She won two gold medals in the ring and is a three-division champion.
“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 Peter Murray, CEO of the Professional Fighters League. “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.”
Claressa Shields Remains Focus On MMA Career
While maintaining her standing in the boxing world, Shields continues to focus attention on becoming a champion in mixed martial arts.
“I am excited to return to a fighter-first organization, and I can’t wait to return to The PFL SmartCage,” Shields said. “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.”
The 28-year-old fought twice in 2021 inside the cage, besting Brittney Elkin with a third round TKO before falling via split decision to Abigail Montes. Both bouts took place under the PFL banner.
As for boxing, she defended her WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, WBG and The Ring middleweight titles with a decision victory over Maricela Cornjeo this past June in Detroit, Michigan.
The PFL 2023 Playoffs return August 18 and August 23 with the final two events, airing live on ESPN and streaming on ESPN+. Both cards take place from The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
