Claressa Shields is widely regarded as one of the greatest female boxers of all time. The two-time Olympic gold medalist, who made history by winning back-to-back golds in 2012 and 2016, has dominated multiple weight classes and set records inside the ring.
As of 2026, Claressa Shields’ estimated net worth stands between $1 million and $5 million, earned through her professional boxing career, ventures in mixed martial arts (MMA), high-profile fight purses, lucrative endorsements, and smart business investments. From championship belts to brand deals, Shields has built a financial empire that reflects her legendary status in combat sports.
Profile Summary
| Profile | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Claressa Maria Shields |
| Date of Birth | March 17, 1995 |
| Birthplace | Flint, Michigan, USA |
| Profession | Professional Boxer, Mixed Martial Artist (MMA) |
| Career Highlights | Two-time Olympic gold medalist (2012, 2016), multi-division world champion in boxing (WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO), first female boxer to hold undisputed titles in multiple divisions |
| Professional Record | Undefeated in boxing; MMA record 2–1 |
| Net Worth (2026) | $1 million – $5 million |
| Sources of Wealth | Boxing fight purses, MMA earnings, sponsorships, endorsements, media projects, business ventures |
| Major Endorsements | Puma, Nike, Everlast, Bose, Celsius, Audi, Dicks Sporting Goods |
| Businesses & Investments | T-Rex Promotions, Claressa Shields Community Outreach Program, real estate, gyms, apparel ventures, art collection (~$5 million) |
| Personal Life | Dating rapper Papoose (since 2024), no children, philanthropist and advocate for women’s sports and gender equality |
| Recognition & Influence | Forbes 30 Under 30 (2022), trailblazer in women’s boxing, role model for aspiring athletes, promoter of equal pay and opportunities |
Early Life and Background
Claressa Maria Shields was born on March 17, 1995, in Flint, Michigan, a city known for its tough neighborhoods. Growing up, Shields faced significant challenges, including poverty, bullying, and exposure to crime, which shaped her resilience and determination from a young age.
Her father, Bo Shields, who had boxed in underground circuits, initially discouraged her from pursuing the sport, believing boxing was for men. However, Shields’ mother and grandmother recognized her potential and encouraged her to chase her dreams, providing unwavering support.
Claressa discovered her passion for boxing early on, starting formal training at Berston Field House under coach Jason Crutchfield. By the age of 11, she was already honing her skills, setting the foundation for a career that would eventually make her one of the most celebrated female athletes in the world.
Amateur Career
Claressa Shields’ rise in boxing began with early successes in amateur competitions, including victories at the Junior Olympic Championships and the National Police Athletic League Championships. These wins showcased her natural talent and dedication, quickly establishing her as one of the most promising young boxers in the United States.
Shields made history at just 17 years old during her Olympic debut at the 2012 London Games, where she became the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing, defeating Russia’s Nadezda Torlopova in the middleweight division. Her achievement not only marked a personal milestone but also signaled a new era for women’s boxing on the global stage.
She continued her dominance with further accomplishments, including gold at the 2014 Pan American Olympic Festival and another Olympic gold medal at the 2016 Rio Games, solidifying her reputation as one of the most successful female amateur boxers in history. These victories laid the foundation for her professional career and skyrocketed her visibility in the sport.
Professional Boxing Career
Claressa Shields turned professional in November 2016, making an immediate impact by defeating Franchón Crews-Dezurn in her debut fight. Her aggressive style, speed, and technical skill quickly set her apart, earning her early recognition and opening doors to championship opportunities.
Over the next few years, Shields captured multiple major world titles, including the WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO belts, across several weight divisions. She made history as the first female boxer to hold undisputed titles in multiple divisions, cementing her status as a trailblazer in women’s boxing. Shields’ remarkable ability to dominate in multiple weight classes earned her the nickname GWOAT (Greatest Woman of All Time).
Some of her most notable fights include her victories over Marie-Eve Dicaire, which secured her undisputed middleweight championship, and Danielle Perkins, where she earned a career-high purse of $1.5 million in 2025. These wins not only added to her legacy but also significantly contributed to her net worth, demonstrating her ability to command some of the largest paydays in women’s boxing history.
MMA Career
In addition to her boxing dominance, Claressa Shields ventured into mixed martial arts (MMA), making her professional debut in 2021 with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Her transition showcased her versatility and willingness to take on new challenges beyond the boxing ring.
Shields compiled a 2–1 MMA record, with notable fights including a third-round TKO victory over Brittney Elkin in her debut and a split decision loss to Abigail Montes. She returned to the cage in 2024 to defeat Kelsey DeSantis, proving her ability to compete at a high level in a different combat sport.
After a brief but impactful stint in MMA, Shields decided to retire from the sport in 2025, citing the physical demands and her desire to fully focus on boxing. This move allowed her to concentrate on defending her multiple world titles and continue building her legacy in her primary sport.
Claressa Shields’ Net Worth in 2026
As of 2026, Claressa Shields’ estimated net worth ranges between $1 million and $5 million. While modest compared to top male fighters, this figure reflects her remarkable success in a sport that has historically offered lower earnings for women.
Her wealth comes from multiple sources:
- Fight purses: Shields has commanded impressive paydays for women’s boxing, including $1.5 million for her 2025 victory over Danielle Perkins and substantial earnings from fights against Marie-Eve Dicaire, Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse, and other top competitors.
- Endorsements and sponsorships: Claressa has partnered with brands like Puma, Bose, Everlast, Audi, and Monster Energy, boosting her income and global profile.
- Media projects: Documentaries and biopics such as “The Fire Inside” (2024) have further contributed to her earnings and visibility.
- Business ventures: Shields runs T-Rex Promotions and her Community Outreach Program, investing in the future of women’s boxing and giving back to her hometown of Flint, Michigan.
Despite these achievements, Shields’ net worth remains far lower than many male boxing counterparts. For example, male champions like Canelo Alvarez or Gervonta Davis earn tens of millions per fight, highlighting the persistent gender pay gap in combat sports. Shields, however, continues to fight for financial equality, using her platform to push for bigger paydays and opportunities for women in boxing.
Fight Purses and Sponsorships
Claressa Shields has earned much of her wealth through fight purses, making history with some of the largest paydays in women’s boxing. In 2022, she signed a two-fight deal with Sky Sports, reportedly worth seven figures, marking a milestone as the first female boxer to secure such a high-profile contract. Her 2025 victory over Danielle Perkins further solidified her earning power, bringing in a $1.5 million payday, one of the largest in women’s combat sports history. Other significant fights, including those against Marie-Eve Dicaire and Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse, contributed substantially to her net worth.
Beyond the ring, Shields has leveraged her fame into lucrative endorsement deals. She has partnered with major brands such as Puma, Nike, Everlast, Bose, Celsius, Audi, and Dicks Sporting Goods, among others. These sponsorships not only boost her income but also increase her visibility in the sports world, positioning her as one of the most recognizable and marketable female athletes globally.
By combining fight earnings with smart brand partnerships, Shields continues to grow her financial empire while paving the way for greater opportunities for women in boxing.
Businesses and Investments
Claressa Shields has expanded her influence beyond the ring through strategic business ventures and investments, demonstrating her commitment to long-term financial growth.
One of her primary initiatives is T-Rex Promotions, a platform dedicated to supporting female fighters by providing more opportunities and exposure in the boxing world. Through this promotion, Shields helps nurture the next generation of women athletes, ensuring they have access to the same opportunities she fought to create.
Shields also runs the Claressa Shields Community Outreach Program, a nonprofit focused on her hometown of Flint, Michigan. The program offers youth resources to develop academic skills, coping strategies, and engage in positive activities, reflecting Shields’ dedication to giving back.
Beyond sports-related ventures, Claressa has diversified her portfolio with real estate investments, gyms, an apparel line, and a luxury art collection valued at approximately $5 million. These investments showcase her financial acumen and long-term planning, allowing her to secure wealth and stability well beyond her active fighting career.
Through a combination of business ownership, community work, and diversified investments, Shields is building a financial legacy that matches her dominance in the ring.
Lifestyle and Personal Life
Outside the ring, Claressa Shields enjoys a luxurious lifestyle that reflects her achievements and personal style. She owns a custom “GWOAT” (Greatest Woman of All Time) chain, multiple vehicles, real estate properties, and a high-end art collection valued around $5 million. These possessions highlight her success and serve as symbols of her hard work and dedication.
In her personal life, Shields has been in a relationship with rapper Papoose since 2024, speaking publicly about their bond and mutual support. She values privacy but has shared glimpses of her life, showing a balance between her professional and personal world.
Shields is also a passionate advocate for women in sports, campaigning for gender equality, fair pay, and greater opportunities in boxing. She uses her platform to inspire the next generation of athletes, emphasizing that financial empowerment and athletic success can go hand-in-hand.
Legacy and Influence
Claressa Shields has left an indelible mark on women’s boxing and combat sports. Her dominance in multiple weight classes and historic achievements have raised the profile of female athletes worldwide, proving that women can compete at the highest levels and draw significant audiences.
As a role model for aspiring athletes, Shields inspires young fighters to pursue their dreams regardless of societal expectations or financial obstacles. Her journey from Flint, Michigan, to becoming a two-time Olympic gold medalist and multi-division world champion demonstrates resilience, determination, and unwavering focus.
Shields has also been a trailblazer in addressing gender disparities, advocating for fair pay and better opportunities for women in boxing. By securing record-breaking fight purses, signing high-profile endorsement deals, and launching T-Rex Promotions, she is actively breaking down barriers and reshaping the sport.
Her influence has been recognized beyond the ring, including her inclusion in Forbes 30 Under 30 in Sports (2022), highlighting both her athletic achievements and growing impact on business and social advocacy. Claressa Shields’ legacy continues to expand, solidifying her status as a pioneer and icon in combat sports.
Final Thoughts
Claressa Shields has established herself as one of the greatest female athletes in combat sports history. From winning two Olympic gold medals to becoming a multi-division world champion in boxing, her career is marked by historic milestones and record-breaking achievements.
As of 2026, Shields’ net worth is estimated between $1 million and $5 million, fueled by fight purses, endorsements, business ventures, and media projects. Beyond the ring, she has launched T-Rex Promotions, invested in real estate, gyms, apparel, and curated a luxury art collection, demonstrating her commitment to long-term financial growth and legacy building.
Shields’ influence extends beyond her personal success. She is a trailblazer for women in sports, fighting for equal pay, greater opportunities, and breaking gender barriers in boxing and combat sports. As she continues to compete, promote, and inspire, Claressa Shields is poised to expand both her wealth and her impact, ensuring that her legacy will resonate for generations to come.
FAQ’s
Does Claressa Shields have kids?
No, Claressa Shields does not have biological children. She has mentioned in interviews that she focuses on her career and also enjoys being a supportive aunt to her nieces and nephews.
What are her biggest endorsement deals?
Shields has partnered with major brands including Puma, Nike, Everlast, Bose, Celsius, Audi, and Dicks Sporting Goods, which contribute significantly to her income and visibility in sports.
How much did she earn for her top fights?
Her most notable payday came from her 2025 fight against Danielle Perkins, where she earned $1.5 million. Earlier fights, including her Sky Sports deal in 2022, also reached seven-figure sums, making her one of the highest-paid female boxers in history.
Why did she retire from MMA?
Shields retired from mixed martial arts in 2025 to focus on her boxing career. She cited the physical demands of MMA and her desire to continue building her legacy in boxing as the main reasons for the decision.
