Claressa Shields Signs Multi-Year Deal with PFL
Claressa Shields, the two-time Olympic gold medal winner and three-division champion, is making a bold move by entering the cage with a multi-year agreement with the PFL (Professional Fighters League). She will be competing at 155 pounds in an attempt to become the first person to hold world titles in both boxing and mixed martial arts simultaneously.
Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 restrictions and an inactive 2020, Shields and her team emphasize that this decision has been in the works for a long time. With close ties to MMA stars like Cris “Cyborg” Justino, Jon “Bones” Jones, and Tyron Woodley, Shields has always had a desire to test her skills in the cage.
Shields (10-0, 2 knockouts) is determined to prove herself in the world of MMA, refuting any claims that her move to the PFL is due to delays in boxing matches. She is confident in her abilities and sees this as the perfect opportunity to showcase her talent in a new arena.
Her manager, Mark Taffet, reveals that this move was part of a strategic plan laid out before Shields even made her professional debut. The goal was always to transcend women’s boxing and become a two-sport world champion, a feat that would elevate Shields to a new level of sporting greatness.
While Shields acknowledges the challenges of MMA, she remains undaunted, citing her rigorous training regimen as the key to her success. She believes that her work ethic and dedication will help her excel in this new venture.
One of the key factors in Shields’ decision to join the PFL was their commitment to pay men and women equally, a rarity in the world of combat sports. This aligns with Shields’ vision of breaking barriers and paving the way for equal opportunities for female athletes.
Looking Ahead
As Shields embarks on this new chapter in her career, she plans to take it one step at a time, carefully selecting the right gym to hone her MMA skills. With a busy schedule ahead, including fights in both the PFL and the boxing ring, Shields is poised to make history and inspire a new generation of athletes.
With her sights set on becoming an MMA world champion and continuing to dominate in the boxing world, Shields is ready to prove that she is truly the Greatest Woman of All Time.
