Why Claressa Shields is Boxing’s Greatest Woman of All Time
Claressa Shields stands as the most dominant female boxer in history, earning her self-proclaimed title of “GWOAT” (Greatest Woman of All Time) through unprecedented achievements across multiple combat sports.
Key Facts About Claressa Shields:
- Professional Boxing Record: 16-0 (3 KOs) – completely undefeated
- Olympic Gold Medals: 2 (2012 London, 2016 Rio) – first American woman to win Olympic boxing gold
- Historic Achievement: Only boxer, male or female, to be undisputed champion in three weight classes in the four-belt era
- Weight Classes: World champion in five divisions (super middleweight, middleweight, light middleweight, light heavyweight, heavyweight)
- MMA Record: 2-1 with Professional Fighters League (PFL)
- Age: 30 years old (born March 17, 1995)
- Hometown: Flint, Michigan
Born in Flint, Michigan, Shields overcame a difficult childhood to become boxing royalty. Her father initially refused to let her box, believing it was “a men’s sport,” but her grandmother encouraged her not to accept gender restrictions. At age 11, after hearing about Laila Ali, young Claressa knew she wanted to follow that path.
Her amateur career was nearly flawless with a 77-1 record, losing only once to British fighter Savannah Marshall – a loss she would later avenge as a professional in dramatic fashion. Shields made history at the 2012 London Olympics by becoming the first American woman to win Olympic boxing gold, then repeated the feat in Rio 2016.
As a professional, Shields has redefined what’s possible in women’s boxing. She holds world championships in five weight classes and remains the only fighter in the four-belt era to achieve undisputed status in three divisions. Her recent victories include becoming undisputed heavyweight champion against Danielle Perkins in February 2025.
As R. Couri Hay, I’ve witnessed many champions grace the cultural landscape, but few have combined athletic dominance with such powerful advocacy for gender equality in sports as Claressa Shields has throughout her remarkable career. Her story transcends boxing, representing the kind of inspirational figure that captures attention in both elite athletic circles and high society.
From Flint to Olympic Glory: The Making of a Champion
The story of Claressa Shields begins in the unlikely setting of Flint, Michigan – a city that has faced its share of challenges, yet somehow produced one of boxing’s greatest champions. Her path to greatness wasn’t handed to her on a silver platter. Instead, it was forged through a difficult childhood that would have broken many others.
Growing up in Flint, young Claressa faced obstacles that seemed impossible. Her father, Clarence Shields, firmly believed boxing was “a men’s sport” and refused to let his daughter pursue it. But fate intervened through her grandmother, who encouraged the young girl not to accept limitations based on her gender.
At just 11 years old, Claressa found her calling after hearing about Laila Ali. The legendary boxer’s daughter had shown that women could excel in the sweet science, and this revelation sparked something special in the Flint native. She made her way to the historic Berston Field House, where coach Jason Crutchfield would help shape her raw talent into something extraordinary.
This was truly a fighting chance – a young girl from a tough neighborhood, overcoming adversity through sheer determination and an unwavering belief in herself.
An Unstoppable Amateur Career
Claressa Shields didn’t just succeed in amateur boxing – she dominated it completely. Her amateur record of 77 wins and just 1 loss tells only part of the story. What made her truly special was how she systematically conquered every level of competition she faced.
That single loss came against British boxer Savannah Marshall in 2012, a defeat that would fuel her fire for years to come. But even this setback couldn’t slow her momentum. She captured titles at the Junior Olympics, dominated the Pan American Games, and claimed multiple World Championships.
Her list of major amateur achievements reads like a boxing hall of fame resume: 2016 Elite Women’s World Champion, 2014 Elite Women’s World Champion, 2013 Youth Women’s World Champion, and 2015 USA Boxing Female Athlete of the Year. She became the first American female to win gold at the Pan American Games and claimed multiple USA Boxing National Championships.
Each victory built upon the last, creating an unstoppable force that would soon make history on the world’s biggest stage.
Historic Olympic Milestones
The 2012 London Olympics marked a turning point not just for Claressa Shields, but for women’s boxing as a whole. When she stepped into the ring for the final, she carried the hopes of every young girl who had been told that boxing wasn’t for them.
Claressa made history by becoming the first US woman to win Olympic boxing gold, defeating Nadezda Torlopova with a commanding 19-12 victory. The moment was electric – here was a young woman from Flint, Michigan, standing atop the Olympic podium with gold around her neck.
But Claressa wasn’t finished. Four years later at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, she proved her London victory was no fluke. She captured her second consecutive gold medal, making her the first American boxer, male or female, to win back-to-back Olympic boxing golds.
Her dominance was so complete that she was even considered for the prestigious Val Barker Trophy, an honor typically reserved for the most outstanding boxer at the entire Olympics, regardless of weight class. You can learn more about her incredible Olympic journey on the official Claressa Shields – Olympic Boxer | Team USA profile.
These weren’t just victories – they were statements that would reshape the landscape of women’s boxing forever.
The Unprecedented Reign of Claressa “GWOAT” Shields in Professional Boxing
When Claressa Shields turned professional in 2016, she brought with her an Olympic pedigree that promised greatness. What followed exceeded even the highest expectations. Her perfect professional record of 16 wins and 0 losses, with 3 knockouts, tells only part of the story.
The real magic lies in how quickly she conquered the professional ranks. Claressa Shields didn’t just win titles – she collected them like precious gems across multiple weight classes. From super middleweight to middleweight, light middleweight, light heavyweight, and what the WBC considers heavyweight at the 175-pound limit, she has truly mastered the art of championship boxing.
Her rapid rise through the professional ranks mirrors the kind of strategic brand building we often discuss in our branding services. Few athletes have managed to create such a powerful personal brand while simultaneously dominating their sport.
The Path to Undisputed
Claressa Shields didn’t just want to be a champion – she wanted to be the champion. Her pursuit of undisputed status became the defining narrative of her professional career.
By her third professional fight, she had already claimed her first world title. This wasn’t luck or chance – it was pure determination meeting exceptional skill. She holds the remarkable record of becoming a two-division, three-division, four-division, and five-division world champion in the fewest professional fights. That’s the kind of efficiency that would make any business executive jealous.
Her journey wasn’t without challenges. In 2018, against Hanna Gabriel, Claressa Shields experienced her first professional knockdown. But champions are defined by how they respond to adversity, and she bounced back to win the fight decisively.
The real breakthrough came in 2019 when she faced Christina Hammer in a unification bout. This wasn’t just another fight – it was Claressa Shields claiming her place as the undisputed middleweight champion, holding all four major belts simultaneously: the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO titles.
Perhaps the most emotionally charged moment came in 2022 with her rematch against Savannah Marshall at The O2 Arena in London. This fight made history as the first time two female boxers headlined at a major UK venue, and it was the first all-female boxing card in the country. Claressa Shields avenged her only amateur loss with a unanimous decision victory, proving that some stories have the most satisfying endings.
| Weight Class | Undisputed Champion (Year) |
|---|---|
| Middleweight | 2019 |
| Light Middleweight | 2020 |
| Heavyweight (175lb) | 2025 |
The Unique Achievements of Claressa Shields
What makes Claressa Shields truly special isn’t just her wins – it’s the historical significance of those victories. She stands alone as the only fighter, male or female, to achieve undisputed champion status in three different divisions during the four-belt era. This accomplishment is genuinely unprecedented in boxing history.
Her recent triumph in February 2025 added another chapter to her legendary story. Claressa Shields became the undisputed heavyweight champion at the 175-pound limit with a dominant performance against Danielle Perkins. The judges’ scorecards of 97-92, 99-90, and 100-89 weren’t just numbers – they were a statement of complete dominance.
Earlier victories against Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse helped pave the way for this heavyweight success, showcasing her ability to adapt and excel across weight classes. Her comprehensive professional journey is documented in detail on her Boxing record from BoxRec.
As a five-division world champion, Claressa Shields has redefined what’s possible in women’s boxing. Her collection of titles across super middleweight, middleweight, light middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight divisions represents a level of versatility that few athletes in any sport can match.
The “GWOAT” title isn’t just clever marketing – it’s a reflection of achievements that speak for themselves. In an era where authentic greatness can be rare, Claressa Shields has earned her place among the true legends of sport.
Conquering a New Arena: Shields’ Foray into MMA
When you’ve conquered boxing at the highest level, where do you go next? For Claressa Shields, the answer was clear: mixed martial arts. In 2020, she shocked the combat sports world by signing a multiyear deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), proving once again that she’s never one to back down from a challenge.
The transition from boxing to MMA isn’t just about learning new techniques – it’s about mastering an entirely different sport. Claressa Shields took this challenge seriously, relocating to train at the legendary Jackson Wink MMA Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico. There, she worked tirelessly to develop her struggling skills, particularly Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, while adapting her world-class striking to the MMA cage.
Her MMA debut in June 2021 against Brittney Elkin was everything fans hoped for. Claressa Shields dominated the fight, showcasing her powerful striking and surprising ground game before securing a TKO victory in the third round. It looked like she might conquer MMA as quickly as she had boxing.
But MMA has a way of humbling even the greatest athletes. In October 2021, Claressa Shields experienced her first professional loss across any combat sport when she fell to Abigail Montes via split decision. The defeat was a wake-up call, but it only fueled her determination to improve.
True to her champion’s spirit, Claressa Shields bounced back. In February 2024, she returned to the cage against Kelsey De Santis and secured a hard-fought victory, proving that her MMA journey was far from over. The win demonstrated her continued evolution as a mixed martial artist and her ability to learn from setbacks.
Her complete mixed martial arts record can be found on Sherdog, where fans can track her ongoing MMA career alongside her boxing achievements.
Beyond the Ring: The Woman, The Advocate, The Icon
Claressa Shields is so much more than a champion athlete. She’s become a powerful voice for change, using her platform to fight battles that extend far beyond any boxing ring or MMA cage.
Her passion for advocacy for gender equality runs deep. Claressa Shields doesn’t just talk about equal pay – she demands it. She’s been vocal about the pay gap between male and female fighters, arguing that women who train just as hard and put on equally exciting fights deserve the same financial rewards.
The lack of media coverage for women’s boxing particularly frustrates her. She’s pointed out how male fighters with far less impressive records get more attention and bigger paydays. It’s a fight she’s determined to win, not just for herself, but for every female athlete who comes after her.
Her commitment to giving back shines through her work as an Up2Us Sports Ambassador. This organization focuses on youth development through sports, and Claressa Shields understands how athletics can transform a young person’s life. She regularly mentors kids from backgrounds similar to her own in Flint, showing them that dreams really can come true with hard work and determination.
Hollywood has taken notice of her incredible story. The documentary T-Rex gave fans an intimate look at her journey to Olympic gold, showing both her struggles and triumphs. Even more exciting, The Fire Inside film is in development, bringing her life story to the big screen for an even wider audience.
Claressa Shields has also built her GWOAT Brand into something special. Her official website, Claressa “GWOAT” Shields, offers everything from merchandise to motivational content. She’s turned her nickname into a movement that inspires others to pursue greatness.
In her personal life, she’s found happiness with rapper Papoose, and their relationship has brought a softer side of the champion into the spotlight. But don’t mistake softness for weakness – her future plans are as ambitious as ever.
The 2028 Olympics are calling her name. Claressa Shields has expressed serious interest in competing for a third Olympic gold medal, which would be absolutely unprecedented. She’s also continuing her dual-sport career, bouncing between boxing and MMA with the kind of fearless ambition that has defined her entire journey.
As someone who has covered many remarkable figures in high society and sports, I can say that Claressa Shields represents something truly special – an athlete who uses her platform not just for personal gain, but to lift others up. Her story resonates far beyond combat sports, making her a true cultural icon. For those looking to build similar impactful narratives, our publicity services help amplify these kinds of inspiring stories.
Frequently Asked Questions about Claressa Shields
What is Claressa Shields’ professional boxing record?
Claressa Shields maintains a perfect professional boxing record that speaks to her incredible dominance in the sport. She has 16 wins and 0 losses, with 3 knockouts to her name. This undefeated streak represents years of hard work and strategic brilliance in the ring.
What makes this record even more impressive is the quality of her opposition and the speed at which she captured titles. She became a world champion in just her third professional fight and went on to hold multiple world championships across an astounding five weight classes. Her ability to move between divisions while maintaining her winning streak showcases her versatility and skill.
Perhaps most remarkably, Claressa Shields achieved undisputed status in three different divisions – light middleweight, middleweight, and heavyweight. This means she held all four major belts (WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO) simultaneously in each division, a feat best in the four-belt era.
For boxing enthusiasts who want to dive deeper into the details of each fight, you can view her full record on BoxRec to see the complete breakdown of her professional journey.
What makes Claressa Shields the “GWOAT”?
The “GWOAT” title that Claressa Shields has claimed for herself isn’t just clever branding – it’s backed by achievements that truly set her apart in combat sports history. Her credentials read like a greatest hits album of boxing accomplishments.
Her Olympic legacy alone would cement most athletes’ careers. She’s a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, winning in both 2012 London and 2016 Rio. But here’s what makes it even more special: she was the first American woman to win Olympic boxing gold, breaking barriers that had stood for decades. She also became the first American boxer, male or female, to win back-to-back Olympic golds.
In the professional ranks, Claressa Shields achieved something that no other fighter in history has accomplished. She’s the only boxer, male or female, to be undisputed champion in three weight classes in the four-belt era. This isn’t just a women’s boxing record – it’s a boxing record, period.
Add to this her status as a world champion in five weight classes, and you have a resume that spans both amateur and professional dominance. Her ability to excel at every level of the sport, from youth competitions to Olympic glory to professional championships, creates a legacy that justifies her “GWOAT” moniker.
Has Claressa Shields ever lost a fight?
While Claressa Shields boasts an undefeated professional boxing record, her overall combat sports journey includes a few learning experiences that actually make her story more compelling.
In her amateur boxing career, she suffered one loss to Savannah Marshall in 2012. This defeat became a driving force in her career, motivating her through years of training and competition. The story came full circle when she avenged this loss as a professional in a dramatic 2022 bout at The O2 Arena in London, defeating Marshall by unanimous decision.
Her venture into mixed martial arts tells a different story. Claressa Shields has a professional MMA record of 2 wins and 1 loss. Her sole MMA defeat came against Abigail Montes in October 2021, a split decision loss that taught her valuable lessons about the complexities of transitioning between combat sports.
What’s remarkable about these losses is how Claressa Shields responded to them. The Marshall defeat fueled her Olympic and professional success, while the MMA loss showed her resilience as she bounced back with a victory against Kelsey De Santis in 2024.
So while she remains flawless in professional boxing, these experiences in other arenas have shaped her into the complete fighter and person she is today. They remind us that even champions face setbacks – it’s how they respond that defines their greatness.
Conclusion
Claressa Shields has carved out a place in history that goes far beyond championship belts and gold medals. She stands as a true trailblazer who has fundamentally changed what we expect from female athletes in combat sports. Her legacy isn’t just about her perfect boxing record or Olympic victories – it’s about the doors she’s opened and the barriers she’s demolished along the way.
From those early days training at Berston Field House in Flint, Michigan, to headlining major venues around the world, Claressa Shields has shown us what’s possible when raw talent meets unbreakable determination. She’s become boxing’s undisputed legend while also proving herself as a serious MMA contender. But perhaps most importantly, she’s emerged as a cultural icon who represents hope for an entire city and inspiration for countless young athletes.
Her story is deeply personal to Flint – a city that has faced its share of challenges but produced this remarkable champion. Claressa Shields carries her hometown with pride, showing that greatness can emerge from anywhere when someone refuses to accept limitations.
What strikes us most about Claressa Shields is how she’s used her platform. She doesn’t just win fights; she fights for equal pay, better media coverage for women’s sports, and opportunities for the next generation. Her advocacy work with Up2Us Sports and her willingness to speak out on important issues show a champion who understands her responsibility beyond the ring.
As we’ve explored her journey through our R. Couri Hay Columns, it’s clear that Claressa Shields represents something special in both sports and society. She’s not just an athlete – she’s a force for change who continues to inspire long after the final bell rings. Her impact will be felt for generations, proving that the “GWOAT” title isn’t just about past achievements, but about the lasting influence she’s had on combat sports and culture itself.
For more celebrity news and gossip, read Couri’s Columns.