Undisputed: Claressa Shields

Undisputed: Claressa Shields

‘I’ll make a believer out of you.’ The words on a social media post from Claressa Shields after another display of sheer dominance on Saturday night. The incredible, untouched, and unmatched resume of Shields surely makes you believe. But at 30, the American wants even more.

Lani Daniels, the reigning IBF light-heavyweight champion, was the latest fighter to find Claressa Shields far too much for her. The New Zealander was, at times, elusive. At all times, she was incredibly tough. But Daniels left the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit empty-handed, as Shields retained her undisputed world heavyweight titles in emphatic fashion. Shields outpointed Daniels over ten rounds by scores of 100-90, 99-91, and 99-91. All three scorecards were reflective of what we witnessed. Shields was levels above her game opponent.

But thoughts now turn to what lies ahead for Shields. At 30, the two-time Olympic gold medallist is now a promotional free agent. The long-time relationship with Salita Promotions could be over if Shields seeks pastures new, although after the job ‘Team Salita’ has done for Shields, they probably deserve to have at least some involvement for the remainder of her career. But Shields will not be short of big-money offers in the coming months.

Jake Paul and his Most Valuable Promotions have already expressed an interest in signing Shields. An already elite stable of fighters would only be greatly enhanced by the addition of Claressa Shields. The MVP pockets are deep enough to satisfy Shields, but crucially, they could offer something even more valuable.

Shields craves the big fights. In many ways, MVP could serve up exactly what she needs. But almost certainly, wherever she lands, Shields will have to go south of her current residency for the major fights. And fights that are a little more competitive.

Che Kenneally, WBA light-heavyweight champion, was in Detroit throughout ‘Fight Week’, and Kenneally and Shields had a little verbal exchange. The Australian will offer a fresh challenge for Shields, and I wouldn’t be that surprised if Kenneally is next.

Shadasia Green and Franchon Crews-Dezurn hold all the world super-middleweight baubles between them. Either would surely be of interest to Shields. Green, a recent winner over Savannah Marshall, is an obvious choice if Shields does sign with MVP. A rematch with Marshall is an option also, but that upset loss to Green has seemingly pushed that fight a little further away. At least for now.

Laila Ali, the 47-year-old daughter of Muhammad Ali, retired undefeated in 2007, and Shields has long expressed an interest in fighting Ali. A reported $15 million offer could tempt Ali to end her long retirement. But it looks more like a fantasy fight than a realistic proposition. But in boxing, money talks, and you can never ever rule out the unexpected in a sport that never stops surprising.

Another enticing option, although it will probably be later rather than sooner, is the WBO world welterweight champion Mikaela Mayer. The two Americans are friends, but equally, both know it makes good business sense to share a ring together. Mayer said she would move to 154 to fight Shields. Out of all the options available, Mayer is the only fighter who is on the pound-for-pound list and could offer Shields her stiffest challenge to date. A fight between the pair is likely at some point in 2026, you would suspect.

Claressa Shields is undoubtedly a superstar of her sport. It’s extremely difficult to argue with her GWOAT status. Her resume is quite extraordinary. In seventeen professional fights, she hasn’t come remotely close to losing. But a new chapter awaits, and it could be the most exciting one yet.

Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/Salita Promotions