Net Worth Ranker
What Is Claressa Shields’s Net Worth?
Claressa Shields, a prominent figure in both professional boxing and mixed martial arts, has accumulated a net worth of approximately $1 million. This valuation reflects her achievements in the ring, endorsements, and ventures into mixed martial arts. While precise breakdowns of her income streams are not publicly available, her career highlights and significant paydays offer insights into how she has achieved this financial status.
Claressa Shields’s Boxing Career and Earnings
Shields began her ascent in boxing with a strong amateur career. After securing multiple Junior Olympic championships, she claimed the middleweight title at the National Police Athletic League Championships in 2011. This victory secured her a spot at the 2012 US Olympic Trials, where she triumphed over reigning national champion Franchón Crews-Dezurn. Her success culminated in a gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, marking her as the first American woman to achieve this feat in boxing. She continued her dominance, winning gold at the 2014 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships and the 2015 Pan American Games. In 2016, she added two more gold medals at the World Championships and the Summer Olympics, solidifying her reputation as a top-tier boxer.
Shields transitioned to professional boxing in late 2016, securing her first victory with a unanimous decision over Franchón Crews-Dezurn. By early 2017, she had claimed the vacant NABF female middleweight title by defeating Szilvia Szabados via TKO. Further success followed with the acquisition of the vacant WBC Silver super middleweight title in June of the same year, achieved by defeating Sydney LeBlanc. In August, she added the WBC and inaugural IBF female super middleweight titles to her collection. In early 2018, she defended these titles against Tori Nelson and also secured the WBAN super middleweight title. She continued her ascent by winning the vacant WBA and inaugural IBF female middleweight titles, establishing herself as the fastest boxer to win world championships in two weight classes.
Shields closed out 2018 with victories over Hannah Rankin and Femke Hermans, retaining her WBA and IBF middleweight titles, and also won the vacant WBC middleweight title. In the spring of 2019, she defeated Christina Hammer, claiming the WBO middleweight title and becoming the undisputed female middleweight world champion. She also secured the inaugural The Ring female middleweight title. By early 2020, she had added the vacant WBC and WBO female light middleweight titles to her resume with a victory over Ivana Habazin. Just over a year later, she became the undisputed female light middleweight world champion by defeating Marie-Eve Dicaire.
Shields continued to defend her middleweight titles, securing a win against Ema Kozin in early 2022 and claiming the WBF middleweight title. Later that year, she retained her titles with a victory over Savannah Marshall, which earned her a career-high $1 million payday. This victory also saw her pick up the WBO middleweight title, marking her second time as the undisputed female middleweight world champion. In mid-2023, she successfully defended all her middleweight titles against Maricela Cornejo. In the summer of 2024, Shields faced Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse for her WBC and WBF heavyweight titles, winning via second-round TKO, making it the fifth weight class in which she won a world championship.
Claressa Shields’s Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Career and Earnings
In addition to her boxing career, Shields has ventured into mixed martial arts. She debuted in the Professional Fighters League (PFL) at PFL 4 in mid-2021, where she defeated Brittney Elkin via technical knockout. However, her next bout at PFL 10 in October saw her lose to Abigail Montes. Shields returned to MMA action in early 2024, defeating Kelsey DeSantis at PFL vs. Bellator: Champs. While the exact earnings from her MMA fights are not publicly detailed, participation in the PFL contributes to her overall income, supplementing her boxing earnings and endorsement deals. The PFL operates on a season format with potential prize money for winning fights and the season championship, adding another layer to her potential earnings. The move into MMA expands her earning potential through fight purses, sponsorships, and potential performance bonuses.
Endorsements and Media Appearances Contributing to Claressa Shields’s Net Worth
Claressa Shields’s net worth is also influenced by endorsement deals and media appearances. While specific details of her endorsement contracts are not widely publicized, endorsements from sports apparel companies, equipment manufacturers, and other brands contribute to her overall income. Media appearances, such as interviews, documentaries, and biographical films, also boost her visibility and earning potential.
In 2015, Shields was the subject of the documentary “T-Rex: Her Fight for Gold,” which chronicled her journey to the Olympics. Later, in 2024, she was the subject of the biographical film “The Fire Inside,” directed by Rachel Morrison and starring Ryan Destiny as Shields. Such media exposure enhances her brand and attracts further opportunities for endorsements and sponsorships. These media projects highlight her personal story and athletic achievements, making her an appealing figure for brands and organizations looking to align with a successful and inspiring athlete.
Key Milestones and Financial Highlights in Claressa Shields’s Career
Several key milestones have significantly impacted Claressa Shields’s financial trajectory:
2012 Summer Olympics Gold Medal: Winning gold at the London Olympics not only launched her into the spotlight but also increased her marketability and future earning potential.
2016 Summer Olympics Gold Medal: Repeating her Olympic success further solidified her brand and opened doors for professional opportunities.
Becoming a Two-Weight World Champion: Achieving world championships in two different weight classes quickly accelerated her earnings and reputation in professional boxing.
Undisputed Middleweight Champion: Becoming the undisputed champion significantly increased her bargaining power for fight purses and endorsement deals.
$1 Million Payday vs. Savannah Marshall: This career-high payday demonstrated her drawing power and established her as a top-tier earner in women’s boxing.
These milestones have directly translated into larger fight purses, more lucrative endorsement deals, and increased opportunities for media appearances. Each accomplishment has strengthened her brand and contributed to her growing net worth.
Property and Assets
Information regarding Claressa Shields’s specific real estate holdings and other high-value assets is not publicly available. Like many high-profile athletes, Shields likely invests a portion of her earnings in real estate, stocks, and other investments to secure her financial future. However, the exact details of these investments remain private.
Claressa Shields’s Personal Life and Financial Habits
Claressa Shields was born on March 17, 1995, in Flint, Michigan. Her father, Bo, who had previously boxed in underground leagues, introduced her to the sport. Initially, he forbade her from pursuing boxing, believing it was a sport for men. However, he eventually relented, and Shields began boxing at Berston Field House under coach and trainer Jason Crutchfield. Details regarding Shields’s specific financial habits and spending patterns are not widely publicized. As a professional athlete, she likely manages her finances with the assistance of financial advisors who help her make sound investment decisions and manage her income effectively. Her focus remains on training, competing, and representing her brand, with financial management handled by professionals.
