PFL: Claressa Shields sets historic target after signing multi-year agreement with MMA promotion
- Planet Sport writer
- 9 August 2023
Claressa Shields wants to become the first athlete to hold boxing and MMA gold at the same time.
The Professional Fighters League has announced two-time Olympic gold medalist and three division boxing champion Claressa Shields will return to the PFL SmartCage with a multi-year agreement.
The 28-year-old is regarded as one of the top combat sport athletes in the world.
Sheilds began her MMA training in 2020 under the tutelage of Roberto Alencar.
The PFL continues to bolster their roster with some of the biggest names in combat sports including Francis Ngannou, Jake Paul, Shane Burgos, Cedric Doumbe and Amanda Serrano.
Peter Murray, who is the CEO of the Professional Fighters League, said: "It is a privilege to announce the PFL has re-signed the most dominant women's boxer in the world, Claressa Shields, to a new multi-year agreement.
"Claressa and the PFL share a fighter first, merit-based value system. We are proud to welcome "The GWOAT" back to the PFL!"
Shields added: "I am excited to return to a fighter-first organization, and I can't wait to return to The PFL SmartCage.
"My goal remains unchanged; I will be the first athlete to hold championships in both boxing and MMA simultaneously.
"I have grown so much since my first MMA fight and cannot wait to put my skills on display."
Shields is looking to make her PFL SmartCage return in 2024.
The 2023 PFL Playoff continue live from The Theater at MSG in New York City, on August 18 and 23, airing on DAZN.
