Career Timeline of Claressa Shields: Major Achievements and Milestones
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Claressa Shields made an impact.
Claressa Shields is a highly decorated American professional boxer and former mixed martial artist. She is a multi-division world champion, having held titles in five weight classes, including undisputed championships at light middleweight and middleweight. She holds the record for becoming a two, three, four and five division world champion in the fewest professional fights. As of late 2022, she was ranked as the world's best active female middleweight by BoxRec and the best active female boxer, pound for pound, by ESPN and The Ring. She has recently captured the undisputed female heavyweight title since February 2025.
2010: Defeated 2010 World Champion
At the 2012 Olympic Trials, Claressa Shields defeated Andrecia Wasson, the 2010 world champion.
2011: National Police Athletic League Championships
In 2011, Claressa Shields competed in her first open-division tournament, the National Police Athletic League Championships where she won the middleweight title, was named top overall fighter, and qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials.
2011: Most Outstanding Female Fighter at National PAL Championships
In 2011, Claressa Shields was awarded Most Outstanding Female Fighter at the National Police Athletic League (PAL) Championships.
February 2012: U.S. Olympic Trials Winner
In February 2012, Claressa Shields won the U.S. Olympic Trials in the 165 lb (75 kg) middleweight division.
April 2012: Women's Elite Continental Championships Winner
In April 2012, Claressa Shields won her weight class at the Women's Elite Continental Championships in Cornwall, Ontario, against Mary Spencer of Canada.
October 2012: National PAL Championships Gold
In October 2012, Claressa Shields competed in her second National PAL Championships, beating Franchón Crews-Dezurn in the finals to win gold at middleweight in the open division.
2012: Summer Olympics Gold Medal
At the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Claressa Shields won the gold medal in the women's middleweight division, beating Russian boxer Nadezda Torlopova. This made her the first American woman to win a boxing gold medal.
2012: Outstanding Boxer of the Tournament at U.S. Olympic Trials
In 2012, Claressa Shields was recognized as the Outstanding Boxer of the Tournament at the U.S. Olympic Trials.
2012: Olympic Qualification
In 2012, it was initially reported that after winning at the U.S Olympic Trials, Claressa Shields would need a top-8 finish at the AIBA Women's World Boxing Championships to qualify for the Olympics.
2013: IBA Youth World Boxing Championships Gold
In 2013, Claressa Shields defeated polish boxer Elżbieta Wójcik to win gold in the middleweight class at the IBA Youth World Boxing Championships in Bulgaria.
2013: WBAN Top Amateur (Youth) Elite Boxer of the Year
In 2013, Claressa Shields was named WBAN (Women Boxing Archive Network) Top Amateur (Youth) Elite Boxer of the Year.
June 2014: Pan American Olympic Festival Gold
In June 2014, Claressa Shields beat Yenebier Guillén in the finals of the Pan American Olympic Festival and took home gold at middleweight.
2014: WBAN Top Amateur Boxer of the Year
In 2014, Claressa Shields was awarded WBAN's (Women Boxing Archive Network) Top Amateur Boxer of the Year.
2015: First American to Win Titles in Olympics and Pan American Games
In 2015, Claressa Shields became the first American to win titles in women's boxing at the Olympics and Pan American Games. She also served as Team USA's flag bearer at the closing ceremony of the 2015 Pan American Games.
2015: U.S. National Championships Gold
In 2015, Claressa Shields defended her gold at the U.S. National Championships by defeating Raquel Miller in the finals.
2015: USA Boxing Female Athlete of the Year
In 2015, Claressa Shields was honored as USA Boxing Female Athlete of the Year.
May 2016: World Championships Gold
In May 2016, Claressa Shields defeated Nouchka Fontijn by unanimous decision to win gold at the World Championships.
May 2016: Awarded Outstanding Boxer at the World Championships
In May 2016, Claressa Shields was awarded Outstanding Boxer at the World Championships.
August 2016: Awarded Val Barker Trophy
In August 2016, Claressa Shields was awarded the Val Barker Trophy, recognizing her as the most outstanding boxer of the Olympics.
November 2016: Professional Debut
In November 2016, Claressa Shields officially went pro and won her first match against Franchón Crews-Dezurn by unanimous decision.
December 2016: Featured on cover of The Ring magazine
In December 2016, Claressa Shields became the third woman (after Cathy Davis and Ronda Rousey) and the second female boxer ever to grace the cover of "The Ring" magazine.
2016: Sportswoman of the Year by the Women's Sports Foundation
In 2016, Claressa Shields was honored as the Sportswoman of the Year by the Women's Sports Foundation.
2016: Slated to act in Punch Me
In 2016, Claressa Shields was slated to act in the Susan Seidelman-directed film, Punch Me.
2016: Second Olympic Gold Medal
In 2016, Claressa Shields won her second gold medal in the women's middleweight division at the Olympics, making her the first American boxer to win consecutive Olympic medals.
2016: Universal Pictures acquired rights to produce film about Shields' life
In 2016, Universal Pictures, a division of Comcast, acquired the rights to produce a film about Claressa Shields' life story.
March 10, 2017: NABF Middleweight Title Victory
On March 10, 2017, Claressa Shields faced Szilvia Szabados for the North American Boxing Federation middleweight title, and won by TKO. The fight was the main event on ShoBox, marking the first time a women's boxing bout was the main event on a United States premium network card.
June 16, 2017: "Detroit Brawl" Headliner
On June 16, 2017, Claressa Shields headlined the "Detroit Brawl," facing Sydney LeBlanc in her first scheduled eight-round bout and winning by decision after all eight rounds.
August 4, 2017: WBC and IBF Super-Middleweight Titles
On August 4, 2017, Claressa Shields defeated Nikki Adler at MGM Grand Detroit for the WBC super-middleweight belt and the vacant IBF super-middleweight belt, winning by TKO. The fight was broadcast on Showtime.
2017: WBC and IBF Female Super Middleweight Titles
From 2017 to 2018, Claressa Shields held the World Boxing Council (WBC) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) female super middleweight titles.
2017: USA Today Female Fighter of the Year
In 2017, Claressa Shields was named USA Today's Female Fighter of the Year.
2017: Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Sports Award for Biggest Powerhouse
In 2017, Claressa Shields won the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Sports Award for "Biggest Powerhouse."
January 12, 2018: Retains WBC and IBF Super Middleweight Titles
On January 12, 2018, Claressa Shields retained her WBC and IBF female super middleweight titles, and won the WBAN super-middleweight title by defeating Tori Nelson. It was Shields' first time going all 10 rounds in her professional career.
January 2018: Boxing Gloves Enshrined in International Boxing Hall of Fame
In January 2018, Claressa Shields' boxing gloves were enshrined in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
June 22, 2018: Two-Weight World Champion
On June 22, 2018, Claressa Shields defeated Hanna Gabriel by unanimous decision, winning the vacant WBA and inaugural IBF middleweight belts. She broke the record for becoming a two-weight world champion in the fewest professional fights.
December 8, 2018: HBO Debut
On December 8, 2018, Claressa Shields' fight aired on HBO, her first appearance on the network. She faced Femke Hermans and won by unanimous decision.
2018: WBC and IBF Female Super Middleweight Titles
From 2017 to 2018, Claressa Shields held the World Boxing Council (WBC) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) female super middleweight titles.
2018: Walmart ad appearance
In 2018, Claressa Shields acted in a Walmart advertisement directed by Dee Rees.
2018: The Ring Female Fighter of the Year and Fight of the Year
In 2018, Claressa Shields was awarded The Ring Female Fighter of the Year and Fight of the Year.
2018: Inducted into USA Boxing Alumni Association's Hall of Fame
In 2018, Claressa Shields was inducted into the USA Boxing Alumni Association's Hall of Fame.
2018: Christy Martin Award - Female Fighter of the Year
In 2018, the Boxing Writers Association of America gave Claressa Shields the Christy Martin Award - Female Fighter of the Year.
April 13, 2019: Undisputed Women's Middleweight Champion
On April 13, 2019, Claressa Shields became the undisputed women's middleweight world champion, unifying the WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO middleweight titles, along with The Ring magazine's inaugural middleweight belt, after defeating Christina Hammer by unanimous decision.
December 2019: Sporting News' Female Boxer of the Decade
In December 2019, Claressa Shields was named Sporting News' Female Boxer of the Decade.
2019: Undisputed Female Middleweight Title
In 2019, Claressa Shields first held the undisputed female middleweight title.
2019: Sportswoman of the Year by the Women's Sports Foundation
In 2019, Claressa Shields was honored as the Sportswoman of the Year by the Women's Sports Foundation.
January 10, 2020: Wins Titles in 3 Divisions
On January 10, 2020, Claressa Shields won against Ivana Habazin by unanimous decision for the vacant WBO junior middleweight title, becoming the fastest ever to win titles in 3 divisions male or female in history.
November 2020: Signs with Professional Fighters League
In November 2020, Claressa Shields signed a three-year contract with Professional Fighters League and began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
2020: BET Award for Sportswoman of the Year Nominee
In 2020, Claressa Shields was nominated for the BET Award for Sportswoman of the Year.
March 5, 2021: First Two-Weight Undisputed Champion
On March 5, 2021, Claressa Shields defeated Marie-Eve Dicaire by unanimous decision to retain her WBC and WBO super welterweight titles, claim the IBF 154-pound belt, and vacant WBA light middleweight strap. With the win, she became the first boxer to hold undisputed titles in two weight classes.
March 2021: Undisputed Female Light Middleweight Champion
In March 2021, Claressa Shields became the undisputed female light middleweight champion.
March 2021: WBA Female Boxer of the Month
In March 2021, Claressa Shields was named WBA Female Boxer of the Month.
June 10, 2021: MMA Debut Victory
On June 10, 2021, Claressa Shields made her MMA debut at PFL 4 against Brittney Elkin and won the fight via technical knockout in round three.
July 12, 2021: Shields' bout rescheduled for PFL 8
On July 12, 2021, news broke that Claressa Shields' bout was rescheduled to August 19, 2021, to gain more exposure at an ESPN-aired PFL 8 event.
August 19, 2021: Rescheduled Bout on PFL 8
Claressa Shields' bout was initially scheduled to take place on August 19, 2021, at the ESPN-aired PFL 8 event, following a rescheduling to garner more exposure.
August 27, 2021: Original Date for Shields' Second Bout on PFL 9
On August 27, 2021, Claressa Shields' second bout was originally scheduled to take place at the PFL 9 event, though the opponent was yet to be named at that time.
October 27, 2021: Shields lost bout against Abigail Montes via split decision
On October 27, 2021, Claressa Shields faced Abigail Montes at PFL 10 and lost the bout via split decision.
2021: ESPN Mid-Year Awards Best Female Fighter
In 2021, Claressa Shields was awarded ESPN Mid-Year Awards Best Female Fighter.
2021: Mixed Martial Arts Debut
In 2021, Claressa Shields was expected to make her mixed martial arts debut after signing with the Professional Fighters League in November 2020.
2021: BET Award for Sportswoman of the Year Nominee
In 2021, Claressa Shields was nominated for the BET Award for Sportswoman of the Year.
February 5, 2022: Retains WBA, WBC, IBF, and The Ring female middleweight titles
On February 5, 2022, Claressa Shields captured a unanimous decision victory against Ema Kozin, retaining her WBA, WBC, IBF, and The Ring female middleweight titles and winning the WBF female middleweight title.
February 2022: WBA Fighter of the Month
In February 2022, Claressa Shields was named WBA Fighter of the Month.
October 15, 2022: Title Unification Bout Rescheduled
The title unification bout between Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall, which was initially scheduled for September 10, 2022, was rescheduled to take place on October 15, 2022.
October 2022: Ranked Best Active Female Boxer
As of October 2022, Claressa Shields is ranked the world's best active female middleweight by BoxRec, as well as the best active female boxer, pound for pound, by ESPN and The Ring.
2022: ESPN Women's Fighter of the Year
In 2022, Claressa Shields was awarded ESPN Women's Fighter of the Year.
2022: Sporting News Women's Boxer of the Year
In 2022, Claressa Shields was named Sporting News Women's Boxer of the Year.
2022: Christy Martin Award - Female Fighter of the Year
In 2022, the Boxing Writers Association of America gave Claressa Shields the Christy Martin Award - Female Fighter of the Year.
August 2023: Shields re-signs with Professional Fighters League
In August 2023, Claressa Shields re-signed a multi-year contract with the Professional Fighters League to continue competing in mixed martial arts.
2023: Best Boxer ESPY Award
In 2023, Claressa Shields became the first woman to win the Best Boxer ESPY Award.
2023: Sportswoman of the Year by the Women's Sports Foundation
In 2023, Claressa Shields was honored as the Sportswoman of the Year by the Women's Sports Foundation.
February 24, 2024: Shields wins against Kelsey DeSantis at PFL vs. Bellator
On February 24, 2024, Claressa Shields faced Kelsey DeSantis at PFL vs. Bellator, winning the bout via split decision after struggling to make the agreed-upon weight and forcing her opponent to fight up two weight classes at 165 pounds.
July 27, 2024: WBC Heavyweight Title Victory
On July 27, 2024, Claressa Shields challenged Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse for her WBC heavyweight title at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, MI. Shields won the fight via second-round TKO.
2024: Second Undisputed Female Middleweight Title
In 2024, Claressa Shields held the undisputed female middleweight title for the second time.
2024: WBC Performance of the Year
In 2024, the WBC awarded Claressa Shields the Performance of the Year for her victory against Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse.
2024: Release of The Fire Inside
In 2024, the film about Claressa Shields' life story, "The Fire Inside", was released, with Ryan Destiny portraying Shields.
February 2, 2025: Three-Division Undisputed Champion
On February 2, 2025, Claressa Shields faced Danielle Perkins for the undisputed heavyweight championship at Dort Financial Center in Flint, Michigan. She won the bout by unanimous decision and became the only three-division undisputed champion of the four-belt era. Following the win, Shields tested positive in competition for marijuana.
February 2025: WBO Female Light Heavyweight and Undisputed Female Heavyweight Title
Since February 2025, Claressa Shields has held the World Boxing Organization (WBO) female light heavyweight title and the undisputed female heavyweight title.
May 19, 2025: Shields announces retirement from MMA
On May 19, 2025, Claressa Shields announced her retirement from Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
July 26, 2025: Undisputed Heavyweight Title Defense
On July 26, 2025, Claressa Shields is scheduled to defend her undisputed heavyweight title against Lani Daniels in Detroit, MI.
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