Photo: Getty Images North America
Claressa Shields has made boxing history after signing a multi-million-dollar contract.
On Thursday (November 6), the undisputed heavyweight champion announced that she signed a record-breaking multi-fight contract with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records, guaranteeing her at least $8 million over the next two years.
“I’ve fought my entire career to prove that women’s boxing deserves equal respect, equal pay, and equal opportunity,” Shields said in a statement. “Partnering with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records gives me the platform to keep breaking barriers inside and outside the ring. Together, we’re building something that’s never been done before.”
At just 17, Shields became the youngest Olympic boxing gold medalist in history at the 2012 London Games. Four years later, Shields made history again as the first American boxer, male or female, to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals.
Now, at 30, Shields, who has an unblemished 17-0 record and three knockouts, is ranked ESPN’s No. 1 pound-for-pound women’s boxer.
During an appearance on CBS Mornings ahead of Thursday’s announcement, Shields revealed that the deal only represents part of the total value of her new contract.
“That’s the thing about this deal, it’s a signing bonus,” she explained. “Before I step into the ring, I get a large amount. The $8 million is just the minimum. It’s other stuff you get. So this deal is actually bigger than $8 million. That’s just the number that we decided to put out there.”
Shields emphasized what the deal means for women athletes across all sports.
“Listen, women in sports have been doing a lot the last past couple years, with the WNBA, soccer, even in boxing — I’m not the only woman who’s making money,” she said. “But to have this deal get done, I feel like, you know, I’m getting my just due.”
Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.