Boxing superstar Claressa Shields has signed a “groundbreaking” $8m (£6.1m) promotional deal with Sarita Promotions and Wynn Records.
The two-year contract is the most lucrative in the history of women’s boxing, Shields said Thursday during an appearance on U.S. television.
The two-time Olympic champion has won all 17 of her professional fights, including a memorable and historic victory over Great Britain’s Savannah Marshall at the O2 Arena in 2022, and is currently the undisputed heavyweight world champion.
“This agreement is not just a contract, it is a statement,” Shields said in a statement confirming the deal.
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Shields made an unforgettable ring entrance in his fight with Marshall
“I have spent my entire career fighting to prove that women’s boxing deserves equal respect, equal pay, and equal opportunity. Partnering with Sarita Promotions and Win Records gives me a platform to continue breaking down barriers both inside and outside of the ring. Together, we are building something that has never been done before.”
Claressa Shields signs new contract with Dmitry Sarita and Wynn Records (Photo by Sarita Promotions/Stephanie Tapp)
The five-division world champion, nicknamed GWOAT (Greatest Woman of All Time), has worked with promoter Dmitry Salita for most of her professional career, but with her previous contract expiring in July, she had the opportunity to explore other options.
“Today is a landmark step for women’s sport and for boxing,” Sarita told Sky Sports News.
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Shields vs. Marshall was watched by over two million viewers, making it the most-watched women’s professional boxing event in history and generating the biggest audience for a women’s sports live event on Sky.
“Claressa Shields has signed a multi-year, multi-fight partnership with Sarita Promotions and Wynn Records, the richest contract in women’s boxing with a minimum guarantee of $8 million, uniting GWOAT’s championship talent with a music and cultural powerhouse.
“This athlete-led collaboration sets a new standard for how martial artists build their careers, and we are proud to pioneer this with Claressa.”
Shields’ most recent bout was a unanimous decision win over Lani Daniels in July.
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Unified welterweight champion Lauren Price is targeting a future bout with pound-for-pound superstar Shields
The 30-year-old is expected to next face Franchon Crewe-Dezrun, whom she defeated in her professional debut in 2016.
Meanwhile, undefeated British welterweight world champion Lauren Price has repeatedly expressed her desire to face fellow Olympic champion Shields in the future.
