Boxing superstar Claressa Shields has signed a “ground-breaking” $8m promotional deal. (£6.1m) with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records.
The two-year deal, which Shields said Thursday during an appearance on American television, is the most lucrative in women’s boxing history.
The two-time Olympic champion has won all 17 of his professional bouts, including a memorable and historic victory in 2022 over Great Britain’s Savannah Marshall at the O2 Arena, and is currently the undisputed world heavyweight champion.
In a statement released confirming the agreement, Shields said: “This agreement represents more than just a contract, it is a statement.
“I have fought my entire career to prove that women’s boxing deserves equal respect, equal pay and equal opportunity. Working with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records gives me the platform to continue breaking barriers in and out of the ring. Together we are building something that has never been done before.”
The world champion in five divisions, which goes by the designation GWOAT [greatest woman of all time]has worked with promoter Dmitriy Salita for much of his professional career, but had the opportunity to explore other options after their previous contract expired in July.
Salita told Sky Sports news: “Today is a groundbreaking step for women’s sport and for boxing.
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Over two million viewers tuned in to Shields vs Marshall, making it the most-watched women’s professional boxing event in history and creating the biggest audience for a live women’s sporting event on Sky
“Claressa Shields has signed a multi-year, multi-fight partnership with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records – the richest deal in women’s boxing with a minimum guarantee of $8 million – pairing the championship talent of GWOAT with a powerhouse in music and culture.
“This athlete-led collaboration sets a new standard for how fighters build their careers, and I’m proud that we’re doing it with Claressa leading the way.”
Shields’ last fight was a unanimous decision victory over Lani Daniels in July.
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Unified welterweight champion Lauren Price targets future fight with pound-for-pound superstar Shields
The 30-year-old is next expected to face Franchon Crews Dezurn, who she beat on her professional debut in 2016.
Meanwhile, undefeated Great Britain world welterweight champion Lauren Price has repeatedly expressed hopes of taking on fellow Olympic champion Shields in the future.