How Did Olympic Trials Lead Shields to a £6 Million Deal?

Claressa Shields, regarded as one of the greatest female boxers of all time, is set to defend her undisputed heavyweight title against longtime rival Franchon Crews-Dezurn. This highly anticipated match comes as Shields continues to break barriers in women's boxing, recently signing a landmark multi-fight deal worth $8 million (£6.1 million), which includes a substantial signing bonus of $3 million (£2.2 million). These figures highlight not only Shields' prowess in the ring but also her role in elevating the status of women's boxing.

Last updated: 14 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Claressa Shields is gearing up for an exciting rematch against Franchon Crews-Dezurn, marking another chapter in their intertwined boxing careers. This fight, scheduled for Saturday, promises to be a showcase of elite talent as Shields defends her heavyweight status for the first time. With Shields' impressive record of 17 wins, including three knockouts, and her significant achievements in women's boxing, this bout is expected to garner considerable attention and set new standards for female athletes.

Key takeaways

Claressa Shields defends her undisputed heavyweight title against Franchon Crews-Dezurn.
Shields signed an $8 million (£6.1 million) multi-fight deal, including a $3 million (£2.2 million) signing bonus.
The fight continues their longstanding rivalry, with Shields holding a 4-0 record against Crews-Dezurn in their previous encounters.

Timeline: how we got here

Claressa Shields' journey has been remarkable, marked by significant milestones:

2012: Shields wins gold at the London Olympics.
2016: Shields and Crews-Dezurn face off in their professional debuts, continuing their rivalry.
2023: Shields signs a landmark deal with Wynn Records and Salita Promotions, leading up to her title defence against Crews-Dezurn.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Shields' upcoming fight against Crews-Dezurn is generating buzz, especially with the backdrop of her recent multi-fight contract. The financial aspects of this deal are unprecedented in women's boxing and signify a shift in the sport's financial landscape.

What was already established

Shields has built a formidable reputation in boxing, being a two-time Olympic gold medallist and a five-weight world champion. Her dominance in the ring is evidenced by her undefeated record in professional bouts, a rarity in the sport.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK boxing fans, this fight represents a significant moment in women’s sports, showcasing elite female athletes on a global stage. The increased visibility of women's boxing may encourage more investment and interest in female sports.

Businesses and jobs

The financial success of Shields' contract could inspire other female athletes in different sports, potentially leading to increased sponsorships and visibility for women in athletics. This could translate to job opportunities within the sports sector, from training to event management.

Policy and regulation

As women's boxing continues to gain traction, it may prompt discussions around policy changes to support female athletes in the UK, including funding and resources for training and development in women's sports.

Numbers that matter

17: Total professional wins by Shields, with 3 by knockout.
$8 million (£6.1 million): Total value of Shields' recent multi-fight deal.
$3 million (£2.2 million): The unprecedented signing bonus included in Shields' contract.
4: Number of times Shields has defeated Crews-Dezurn in various competitions.
30: Shields' age as she aims to extend her career until 38.

Definitions and jargon buster

Unified Champion: A boxer who holds multiple championship titles in the same weight class.
Knockout: A fight ending in a way that the opponent cannot continue to fight, usually from a decisive blow.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Watch for the details surrounding Shields' title defence against Crews-Dezurn, including promotional events and weigh-ins, which will build anticipation for the fight.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Post-fight analysis will be crucial in determining Shields' future opponents and whether she may consider moving to lower weight classes as suggested by other fighters.

Signals to watch

Viewership numbers and sales figures for Shields' upcoming fight.
Reactions from the boxing community regarding the financial success of women's boxing.
Calls for fights from other prominent female boxers following the Shields-Crews-Dezurn match.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay updated on Shields' fight schedule and outcomes through reliable sports news sources.
Support women's sports by attending events or purchasing pay-per-view options.

Don’t

Don’t underestimate the impact of women's boxing on the broader sports landscape.
Don’t miss chances to engage with community initiatives supporting female athletes.

Checklist

Follow Shields on social media for real-time updates.
Check local listings for broadcast information on the fight.
Engage with local sports communities supporting female boxing.
Explore merchandise and promotions related to women's boxing events.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Shields’ contract signifies a positive shift in women's boxing, there are still uncertainties regarding the longevity of this momentum. The financial viability of women's boxing remains to be seen, particularly in comparison to men's boxing, which has historically drawn larger audiences and sponsorships. Additionally, the evolving dynamics of weight classes and potential health risks for athletes making drastic weight cuts are factors that warrant caution.

Bottom line

Claressa Shields stands at the forefront of a pivotal moment in women's boxing, not only defending her title but also showcasing the growing financial opportunities available in the sport. As she prepares for her next fight, the implications of her success could resonate far beyond the ring, potentially inspiring a new generation of female athletes.

FAQs

What is Claressa Shields' current boxing record?

Claressa Shields holds an undefeated professional record of 17 wins, including three by knockout, showcasing her dominance in the sport.

Who is Claressa Shields' next opponent?

Shields will face Franchon Crews-Dezurn, reigniting their rivalry in what promises to be an exciting match.

What is the significance of Shields' recent contract?

Shields' recent $8 million (£6.1 million) contract marks a groundbreaking moment in women's boxing, highlighting the sport's evolving financial landscape.