Who / What
Claressa Maria Shields is an American professional boxer and former mixed‑martial‑artist, born March 17, 1995. She has captured 18 major world titles across five weight divisions, making her one of the most accomplished female fighters in boxing history.
Background & History
Shields began her career as a professional boxer and also competed briefly in mixed martial arts. She advanced through the ranks in the early 2010s, winning her first world title in the super‑middleweight division in 2017. From 2019 onward, she consolidated titles across light‑middleweight, middleweight, and super‑middleweight, expanding her dominance in subsequent years.
Why Notable
Shields holds the record for becoming a world champion in five different weight categories in the fewest professional bouts. Her ability to upset top contenders and sweep multiple titles underscores her skill and versatility. She has become a trailblazing figure for women’s boxing, inspiring a new generation of athletes.
In the News
In 2024 Shields secured the WBO female light‑heavyweight crown, adding another championship to her collection. In February 2025, she claimed the undisputed female heavyweight title, highlighting a historic career trajectory that continues to shape the sport.