Claressa Shields, who has a $8 million agreement in hand, sets a retirement objective
Women’s boxing star Claressa Shields, who made barely $50,000 in her first fight with Salita Promotions, is now financially secure. She expects to fight two or three times in 2026, take a year off to have a child, keep raising her earnings, and retire at age 38.
With a two-year promotional contract with Salital that guarantees $8 million, Shields, 30, anticipates making nearly twice as much in 2026, in part because of ticket sales, social media interaction, and product sales.
The two-time Olympic gold medallist stated in an interview with The Athletic on Thursday that she has a contract with Salita and Wynn Records that is for at least four fights and that she is free to talk about potential crossover matchups with other promoters.
“I feel like I’m finally getting my just due,” Shields said to reporters at her promotional agreement announcement on Thursday.
Shields, the first boxer of either gender to win two gold medals (2012, 2016) prior to going pro, has competed in mixed martial arts competitions and simultaneously held all four main titles in three separate weight classes.
With titles in five weight classes and an undefeated record in 17 professional fights, she has also lobbied for a bout with Laila Ali, who is 47 and hasn’t competed in 18 years.
Shields consulted with many promotional agencies, including Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, after defending her four heavyweight titles in July. However, she ultimately decided to remain with Salita, which is owned by former boxer Dmitriy Salita. Wynn Records, a talent firm that has rapper Papoose, her lover, as an executive, backed her new contract.
As she tested the waters, Shields prioritized an upfront payment of $3 million, which she referred to as a signing bonus. According to her, other businesses only guaranteed $1 million or $2 million.
“I’m speaking with them, and it appears that my objectives are too lofty. “And I want too much money,” Shields said to The Athletic.
“Claressa, she’s very confident, she’s unapologetic about what she feels women’s sports and herself should be, and she supports other talented women fighters,” Salita stated. “But she’s the first, she’s No. 1 and she’s the GWOAT, that’s undeniable.”
Shields has high expectations for herself and thinks she can achieve them, beginning with the $8 million agreement.
“I’m trying to get to where I can make $50 million for one fight, just like Floyd (Mayweather) did, before I retire,” Shields stated.
Potential obstacles could arise since Shields is frequently favored over less well-known competitors who don’t have the celebrity power she does. She has therefore switched weight classes in an effort to increase her prospects and strengthen her constantly improving resume.
