Hate her or love her, but there’s no denying it: Claressa Shields is here to stay. The $8 million deal might as well be a slap in the face to those who have questioned the undisputed champion’s legacy for some time. The Flint-born titleholder has officially entered a new phase in her glorious career. After testing the waters as a freelancer, Shields decided to sign a fresh deal with her longtime promoters, Salita Promotions. What’s more, she has reportedly inked a partnership with Wynn Records as well.

A multi-fight deal with Dmitriy Salita and company potentially makes Claressa Shields the highest-paid fighter in the history of women’s boxing. The agreement reportedly covers four fights over two years and includes a whopping $3 million signing bonus. As she discussed the details during a New York press conference, Shields received a wave of applause. One, surprisingly, came from Teofimo Lopez, who is preparing for a momentous clash with friend and occasional sparring partner Shakur Stevenson.

GWOAT money: Claressa Shields signs record-breaking deal!

Tagging Shields with her self-declared moniker, “GWOAT,” the light welterweight champion responded to the Ring Magazine report. “That perpetuity is going to be crazy! Hopefully, she gets what she rightfully deserves nevertheless ☝️💛,” he said.

Alongside several other outlets, the century-old publication updated, “‼️ Announced: Three-division undisputed champion Claressa Shields signs a minimum $8 million guaranteed contract with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records.  The multi-fight contract will also include music and other media, with her next fight date to be announced soon.”

According to Salita, depending on how well the boxing events perform, the promotional deal could be worth even more. Back in 2017, when she was a 2-0 professional, Claressa Shields first signed with the Ukraine-born promoter. A former fighter himself, he once trained alongside Zab Judah.

In July this year, however, she declared herself a free agent.

Claressa Shields, changing the game for women’s boxing

It didn’t take long for Claressa Shields to reach her fans and followers through X Spaces. Singing her way through the discussion, she said, “I got to make a song, Core 8 million, because this is crazy work,” adding, “I knew it was deserving; I feel like it’s back pay.”

Speaking with Boxing Scene, Claressa Shields explained that, as a free agent, she learned more about her brand value. She can sell tickets. And the boxing business is recognizing what she brings to the table.

It appears that while Claressa Shields renewed her contract with Salita Promotions, the deal also brought along her boyfriend, Shamele ‘Papoose’ Mackie, a New York-based rapper and Wynn Records’ creative director, as a new co-promoter.

Last July, Shields entered the heavyweight division and defeated Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse. Later, in February of this year, she returned and secured a unanimous win over Danielle Perkins. The win made her an undisputed champion in a third weight class. Four months later, she successfully defended her titles, defeating Lani Daniels in her first bout as a four-belt holder.

Shields re-signed with the PFL two years ago and fought Kelsey DeSantis on the PFL vs. Bellator card on February 24, 2024. However, by May 2025, she confirmed that she was done with her MMA adventure.

Claressa Shields is expected to return to the ring next year, though it remains unclear who her next opponent will be. A few names have been circulating.

Who would you want Claressa Shields to face next?