Claressa Shields, the undisputed queen of women’s boxing, continues to make waves in the sports world with her unmatched talent and fierce determination. At just 30 years old, this Flint, Michigan native has already cemented her legacy as one of the greatest boxers of all time, male or female. With a perfect 16-0 record in professional boxing, including three knockouts, and a trailblazing career that spans Olympic gold medals and undisputed titles in three weight classes, Shields is a force to be reckoned with. But her journey doesn’t stop in the ring. From defending her titles to shutting down her MMA chapter, Claressa Shields is redefining what it means to be a champion. Let’s dive into the latest chapters of her incredible story.
Claressa Shields Retires from MMA: A Bold Pivot
This week, Claressa Shields dropped a bombshell that sent shockwaves through the combat sports world: she’s officially done with mixed martial arts (MMA). After a three-fight stint with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where she posted a 2-1 record, Shields announced her retirement from MMA on The Ariel Helwani Show. “Oh no, MMA is done, sweetheart,” she declared with her signature confidence. Why the exit? The grueling demands of MMA training, which she said takes six to eight months just to prepare for takedown defense, proved too much alongside her boxing commitments. She also revealed she broke her arm twice during her MMA journey, a testament to the physical toll it took. Shields entered the cage to prove her versatility, and with wins over Brittney Elkin and Kelsey DeSantis, she did just that. Now, she’s laser-focused on her boxing legacy, leaving fans buzzing about what’s next for the self-proclaimed “GWOAT” (Greatest Woman of All Time).
Claressa Shields’ Next Fight: Defending Her Crown
On the boxing front, Shields is gearing up for a massive showdown. She’s set to defend her undisputed heavyweight world titles against IBF light-heavyweight champion Lani Daniels on July 26, 2025, at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. This fight marks her return to the venue where she knocked out Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse in 2024 to claim the WBC heavyweight title. Daniels, with an 11-2-2 record, has never been knocked out, but on paper, she’s a steep underdog against Shields’ relentless skill and power. The event, promoted by Salita Promotions and broadcast live on DAZN, is expected to draw thousands, just like Shields’ previous Detroit appearances. Her ability to pack arenas underscores her star power and the growing popularity of women’s boxing, which she’s been instrumental in elevating.
| Claressa Shields’ Boxing Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| Record | 16-0 (3 KOs) |
| Titles | Undisputed champion in three weight classes (heavyweight, light-middleweight, middleweight) |
| Olympic Medals | Two gold medals (2012, 2016) |
| Upcoming Fight | vs. Lani Daniels, July 26, 2025, Detroit |
Overcoming Controversy with Grit
Earlier this year, Shields faced a hurdle outside the ring when the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission suspended her after a positive marijuana test following her February 2, 2025, victory over Danielle Perkins. The suspension sparked outrage, with Shields adamantly denying ever using marijuana. “I’ve never smoked weed,” she posted on X, calling out the media for jumping on the story. By March, the suspension was lifted after evidence revealed a procedural error in the testing process. Her promoter, Dmitriy Salita, expressed confidence in her vindication, and Shields emerged stronger, proving once again that she’s unstoppable. This incident highlighted her resilience, as she refused to let the controversy overshadow her historic win, which made her the first boxer to hold undisputed titles in three weight classes.
A Trailblazer’s Impact Beyond the Ring
Claressa Shields isn’t just a fighter; she’s a cultural icon. Her recent nomination for Sportswoman of the Year at the 2025 BET Awards—the first for a female boxer—shows her influence reaches far beyond sports. She took to X to express her excitement, screaming with joy at the recognition. Shields’ journey from Flint to global stardom inspires countless fans, especially young women, to chase their dreams fearlessly. Her outspoken nature also keeps her in the headlines. Recently, she clapped back at MMA legend Cris Cyborg, who claimed more boxing knockouts. Shields fired back, accusing Cyborg of “fighting bums” and recounting a 2018 sparring session where she dominated. This fiery exchange proves Shields never backs down, whether in the ring or on social media.
What’s Next for the GWOAT?
As Shields prepares for her title defense, the boxing world is abuzz with speculation about her future. Will she continue to dominate the heavyweight division, or could she chase titles in yet another weight class? Her decision to step away from MMA shows she’s prioritizing her boxing legacy, but her competitive spirit suggests she’s far from done making history. With her hometown of Detroit rallying behind her, Shields is poised to deliver another unforgettable performance. Her story is one of grit, glory, and an unrelenting drive to be the best. Fans can’t wait to see how she’ll redefine greatness next.
Don’t miss Claressa Shields’ epic title defense against Lani Daniels on July 26, 2025, live on DAZN! Grab your tickets or tune in to witness the GWOAT in action. Share your thoughts on her latest moves in the comments below—let’s keep the conversation going!