Nine years ago today, a new chapter in boxing history began. A young woman from Flint, Michigan, Claressa Shields, stepped into the professional ring for the first time, carrying the hopes of a new generation on her shoulders. Inspired by her father, she first laced up gloves at just 11 years old, igniting a fire that would soon blaze through the sport. Her amateur resume was nothing short of extraordinary — 77 wins, just a single loss to Savannah Marshall in 2012, and an unshakable belief that she was destined for greatness. 

At only 17, she made history at the London 2012 Olympics, capturing middleweight gold and becoming the first American woman to do so. Four years later in Rio, she defended her crown against Nouchka Fontijn, earning not only another gold but also the prestigious Val Barker Trophy for outstanding skill and dominance. Then came the leap — the professional debut. It was 2016, and Shields was ready to conquer a new world. Nine years later, as a three-division undisputed champion, she looks back at that moment.

Claressa Shields has achieved what she set out to do

Earlier today, the 30-year-old champion took to social media to share a heartfelt clip that transported fans back to where it all began. “I could cry,” she wrote in the caption, giving a rare glimpse into one of the most defining moments of her life. The video showed a 21-year-old Claressa Shields, beaming with excitement as she sat at a glass table, her two Olympic gold medals gleaming beside her. 

With loved ones gathered around, she proudly signed her first professional contract with Salita Promotions — a deal that set up her debut against Franchon Crews-Dezurn. It was the moment that turned promise into purpose. “9 years ago, I signed for my pro debut! I was so scared, but God had told me I was chosen,” she reflected. “I had 2 Olympic Gold medals & a dream to one day make a million dollars for a fight! I’ve accomplished that a few times now! God is great!” 

Shields reportedly earned over a million dollars for her grudge match against Savannah Marshall and avenged her loss with a dominant unanimous decision. In her very next bout, against Maricela Cornejo, she repeated the feat, pocketing another million. Now, as the undefeated, three-division, and only three-division undisputed women’s champion in history, Shields’ legacy is already unmatched. 

But one thing’s for sure — the million-dollar milestone she once dreamed of is now just the floor, not the ceiling.

Laila Ali blasts Claressa Shields, teasing a comeback

Laila Ali has finally fired back at Claressa Shields after years of tension between the two. The retired boxing icon took to social media with a 30-minute video blasting Shields for “lies, harassment, and false narratives.” Ali said, “I am not going to let someone with bad character continue running freely and dragging my name without accountability.”

Ali accused Shields of using her name to “gain visibility and build her public persona” since 2018, adding, “Her actions reveal a pattern of competition rooted in insecurity rather than empowerment.” The 47-year-old Hall of Famer also reminded fans, “I retired undefeated with a record of 24-0, including 21 knockouts… I have achieved unmatched success during my era.” 

Ending her message on a provocative note, Ali teased a follow-up to address Shields’ $15 million fight offer — hinting that a long-awaited comeback might not be entirely off the table.

Claressa Shields has clearly achieved a lot since her debut in 2016, but will she be able to convince Laila Ali to lace up the gloves one last time?