Boxing great Claressa Shields signs with PFL to start MMA career

In late 2019, three-division world boxing champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Claressa Shields first announced her plans to crossover into mixed martial arts.…

By: Milan Ordoñez | 2 years ago
Boxing great Claressa Shields signs with PFL to start MMA career
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In late 2019, three-division world boxing champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Claressa Shields first announced her plans to crossover into mixed martial arts. Here’s what she told the media during UFC 245’s festivities in December.

“I feel like I have a chance now, but once we go to the ground and stuff, I have to learn that. Me being an Olympic athlete, I know that I can learn a different sport and catch on quicker than just a regular person.

“If they put me in 4 oz gloves, they’ll be calling me Muhammad Ali because these hands will be floating like a butterfly and stinging like a bee.”

On Monday night, these plans were finally confirmed when the 25-year-old undefeated boxer signed with PFL, and is expected to compete in their lightweight division. MMA Junkie first reported the news.

A follow-up tweet by The Athletic’s Mike Coppinger stated that Shields will make her debut on April 23rd. She is also expected to carry on with her boxing career at the same time.

Shields holds a 10-0 record in boxing. She last competed in January against Ivana Habazin and emerged victorious via unanimous to win both the WBC and WBO light middleweight titles.

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About the author
Milan Ordoñez
Milan Ordoñez

Milan Ordoñez has been covering combat sports since 2012 and has been part of the Bloody Elbow staff since 2016. He’s also competed in amateur mixed martial arts and submission grappling tournaments.

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