Imagine a 16-year-old girl stepping into the ring against a seasoned national champion eight years her senior, and emerging victorious. That was the beginning of Claressa Shields' meteoric rise, a journey that has now culminated in an unprecedented $8 million deal. But here's where it gets controversial... Is Shields' groundbreaking contract a triumph for women's boxing, or does it highlight the persistent gender pay gap in sports? Let's dive in.
Six months before the 2012 Olympics, Shields' victory over Franchon Crews-Dezurn at the US Olympic trials wasn't just a win—it was a declaration of her potential. She went on to claim Olympic gold in London and secured two more amateur victories over Crews-Dezurn, solidifying her dominance. Their rivalry continued into the professional ranks, with Shields winning their 2016 debut matchup. Now, they're set to clash again this Saturday, as Shields defends her undisputed heavyweight title.
"Franchon and I have this strange connection—we keep crossing paths," Shields reflected in an interview with BBC Sport. She recounted their first encounter: "At 16, I was ranked seventh nationally, while she was number one. The draw system paired me against the top-ranked fighter. Now, we're here again, for my first fight under this massive deal."
That "massive deal" Shields refers to is a multi-fight contract signed with Wynn Records and Salita Promotions in November, valued at a staggering $8 million (£6.1 million) with an additional $3 million (£2.2 million) signing bonus. And this is the part most people miss... These figures are virtually unheard of in women's boxing, yet Shields—a two-time Olympic gold medalist, five-weight world champion, and three-weight undisputed champion—has always been a trailblazer.
"I’ve never heard of a male boxer receiving a $3 million signing bonus," Shields remarked. "Even $1 million (£739,000) is rare. I’d love to ask ChatGPT if any man has ever secured a $3 million bonus for a boxing contract. My contract is a game-changer, and I’m finally getting the recognition I deserve. After winning two Olympic golds, I should have received a $1 million bonus, but it didn’t happen. Now, years later, I’m making up for lost time. I’ve earned millions in recent years, and this is just the beginning."
After a brief stint in mixed martial arts (two wins, one loss), Shields has recommitted to boxing for the remainder of her career. At 30, with plans to box until 38, she’s far from done. Unified welterweight champion Lauren Price and WBO welterweight titleholder Mikaela Mayer have both challenged Shields, but weight class disagreements have stalled negotiations. Price, Wales' Olympic middleweight gold medalist from 2020, has urged Shields to drop down from heavyweight—a five-division leap. Shields, however, remains unfazed.
"If Mikaela and Lauren want to prove their greatness, they’ll meet me at 163 lbs or 165 lbs," Shields stated. "I’ve already proven myself. Lauren has no excuse for 165 lbs—we both competed at 75 kg in the Olympics. Let’s not make weight classes an issue."
Mayer, a three-division world champion, has fought as high as light-middleweight, but Shields questions the reluctance of her challengers. "Why should I drop two or three weight classes when Terence Crawford moved up three to fight Canelo Alvarez? When I was at 154 lbs, 160 lbs, or 168 lbs, no one wanted to fight me. Now that I’m at 175 lbs, everyone’s calling me out. Where were they when I was undisputed at 160 lbs—twice? Where were they at 154 lbs? I had to beg for opponents."
As Shields prepares to face Crews-Dezurn once more, her journey raises critical questions: Is women's boxing finally gaining the recognition it deserves, or is there still a long way to go? What do you think? Does Shields' contract signal progress, or is it an exception in a sport still struggling with gender equality? Let us know in the comments!
