Shields Sets £4m Benchmark in Search for New Promoter
Undisputed heavyweight champion Claressa Shields – widely regarded as the best female fighter on the planet – is officially a free agent.
The 30-year-old American confirmed after her latest victory on Saturday that her deal with Dmitriy Salita’s Salita Promotions had come to an end, leaving her open to new opportunities.
A three-weight undisputed champion, unbeaten in 17 fights and one of boxing’s most compelling talkers, Shields is a hugely attractive prospect for promoters worldwide.
Her star power has already been proven. She drew 15,000 fans to Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena in her recent bout with Lani Daniels, with an impressive 71% of tickets purchased by women. In 2022, her clash with long-time rival Savannah Marshall sold out London’s O2 Arena and attracted a peak TV audience of two million.
Still, there’s a sense Shields hasn’t yet reached the commercial heights her résumé deserves. Could the right promoter finally unlock that?
Jake Paul’s MVP a Natural Fit?
From the outside, Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) looks like a strong option. Despite previous verbal sparring with Shields, MVP has delivered major platforms for women’s boxing – including the record-breaking Katie Taylor v Amanda Serrano trilogy, which reportedly generated £14m for the fighters and pulled six million Netflix viewers.
MVP also boasts Shields’ rivals Savannah Marshall and Shadasia Green, making potential rematches and big-money fights straightforward to stage.
Shields herself remains open-minded:
“If their vision doesn’t align with my vision, then I’ll walk away. I don’t got any smoke with any of these entities,” she told Ariel x Ade: The Boxing Show.
Limited US Options Elsewhere
Top Rank, once the powerhouse of American boxing, has just two women on its roster and no current TV deal after splitting with ESPN. Al Haymon’s PBC doesn’t promote female fighters at all, leaving MVP as the dominant player in the US women’s boxing market.
Shields has set her price at around £3.8m per fight – a lofty figure that may narrow her options, but her profile and entertainment value could justify it for the right partner.
Matchroom & the UK Market
Across the Atlantic, Matchroom remains a major force in women’s boxing. Shields has proven she’s a draw in the UK, especially with the right opponent, though her previous promoter Boxxer faces an uncertain future as its deal with Sky Sports hangs in the balance.
Staying Independent or Returning to Salita
Shields could re-sign with Salita Promotions, but another possibility is following the example of Terence Crawford and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez – pursuing short-term or fight-by-fight deals that give her greater control.
There’s also the more unlikely but eye-catching option of facing Laila Ali, daughter of Muhammad Ali, in a fight reportedly once valued at £11m.
What’s Next in the Ring?
Shields, a four-weight champion, could fight at heavyweight or drop back down. Unified middleweight champion and old rival Franchon Crews-Dezurn, who was ringside for Shields’ latest win, seems the most realistic next opponent.
Wherever she lands, one thing is certain: Claressa Shields isn’t short of options. The question is whether the right promoter can help her secure the global recognition – and payday – her achievements demand.
