Claressa Shields has punched through more than just opponents—she’s shattered records, gender barriers, and sports expectations. Known as the GWOAT (Greatest Woman of All Time), Shields has dominated boxing and stepped confidently into mixed martial arts, all while building an impactful personal brand and net worth. As of 2025, Claressa Shields’ net worth is estimated at $1 million, a figure reflective of her titles across five weight classes, her MMA career, and growing influence in media and social justice advocacy.
Early Life: From Flint to Fight Champion
Born on March 17, 1995, in Flint, Michigan, Claressa Maria Shields is now 30 years old and one of the most decorated female fighters in the world. Raised in a challenging environment, Shields overcame adversity early. Her father, Bo Shields, had dabbled in underground boxing, but initially discouraged his daughter from entering the ring. Eventually, he relented, and at just 11 years old, Claressa began training at the Berston Field House under coach Jason Crutchfield—a partnership that laid the foundation for her future dominance.
Olympic Gold and Amateur Legacy
Shields quickly made her mark in amateur boxing. After winning two Junior Olympic championships, she captured national attention at the 2011 National Police Athletic League Championships, qualifying her for the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials. At only 17 years old, she defeated reigning champion Franchón Crews-Dezurn and earned her ticket to the London 2012 Summer Olympics, where women’s boxing debuted.
Claressa went on to win gold in the middleweight division, becoming the first American woman to ever win Olympic boxing gold. She repeated the feat in 2016 at the Rio Olympics, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer and all-time great in amateur boxing.
Professional Boxing: Fastest to the Top
Shields turned pro in late 2016 and won her debut match against her former Olympic rival, Franchón Crews-Dezurn, via unanimous decision. Her rise was meteoric. Within just two years, she claimed titles in multiple divisions:
- WBC Silver Super Middleweight (2017)
- WBC and IBF Super Middleweight (2017)
- WBA, IBF, and WBC Middleweight (2018)
- Undisputed Middleweight Champion (2019)
- Undisputed Light Middleweight Champion (2021)
- WBF and WBO Middleweight Titles (2022)
Her 2022 bout against Savannah Marshall drew global attention and earned her a career-high $1 million purse, the largest payday of her career. Shields dominated and reclaimed her undisputed status in the middleweight division.
In June 2023, she defeated Maricela Cornejo in Detroit, once again defending all her titles. But she wasn’t done making history.
Heavyweight Champion and Historic Fifth Division
In summer 2024, Shields made headlines again by stepping up to fight Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse for the WBC and WBF heavyweight titles. Shields scored a decisive second-round TKO, becoming a world champion in five different weight classes—an achievement few male or female boxers have ever reached.
Mixed Martial Arts: Testing Herself Beyond the Ring
Never one to shy away from a challenge, Shields entered MMA in 2021, debuting in the Professional Fighters League (PFL). She won her first match by technical knockout against Brittney Elkin. Though she suffered a setback in her next bout against Abigail Montes, she returned to the cage in 2024 and defeated Kelsey DeSantis at the PFL vs. Bellator: Champs event.
Her dual-sport career continues to push boundaries and attract new fans.
Screen Presence and Storytelling
In 2015, her incredible journey was captured in the documentary “T-Rex: Her Fight for Gold.” The film offered a candid look at her Olympic rise and early struggles. In 2024, she was the subject of the biographical film “The Fire Inside,” directed by acclaimed filmmaker Rachel Morrison and starring Ryan Destiny as Shields. The movie helped introduce her story to an even broader audience and contributed to her growing brand recognition.
Personal Life and Public Spotlight
In 2025, Claressa Shields publicly confirmed her relationship with rapper Papoose, following his separation from Remy Ma. During an interview on The Breakfast Club, Shields described the relationship as “strong and secure,” emphasizing their mutual respect amid ongoing divorce proceedings.
Despite the attention, Shields remains grounded and focused, often using her platform to advocate for women in sports, equal pay, and social justice. She continues to speak out on issues like domestic violence, gender inequality, and youth empowerment, particularly for girls from underprivileged communities.
Business Moves and Net Worth
As of 2025, Claressa Shields’ net worth is estimated at $1 million. Her income sources include:
- Fight purses and performance bonuses
- Endorsements and sponsorships
- Appearance fees and speaking engagements
- Film rights and licensing
- Personal brand growth through social platforms and events
While she isn’t among the highest-paid athletes in the world, Shields has demonstrated incredible earning potential in a sport where female fighters often struggle to reach parity. Her influence and drawing power continue to grow, making her a valuable figure in both boxing and MMA promotions.
Final Thoughts
Claressa Shields is more than just a champion—she’s a symbol of resilience, ambition, and evolution. With a net worth of $1 million, multiple titles in five weight classes, and a dual career in boxing and MMA, she has already achieved what many fighters only dream of.
At 30, with a personal life in the spotlight and her professional resume still expanding, the GWOAT continues to redefine what’s possible in combat sports—and she’s far from done.