Claressa Shields: A Boxing Powerhouse

Claressa Shields, the undisputed heavyweight champion and arguably the best female fighter globally, is currently a free agent in boxing. At 30 years old, Shields has spent her professional career with Dmitriy Salita's Salita Promotions but announced the end of this partnership after her latest victory. As a three-weight undisputed champion with an unbeaten record, Shields is a highly attractive prospect for any promoter.

Recent Success and Fan Appeal

Shields' recent fight against Lani Daniels drew 15,000 fans at Detroit's Little Caesars Arena, with 71% of the tickets purchased by women. Her 2022 match with Savannah Marshall at London's O2 Arena also sold over 15,000 tickets, reaching a peak TV audience of two million. Despite her accolades, there's a perception that Shields hasn't reached her full potential in terms of fame. A new promotional partner could be the key to changing that.

Potential Promotional Partners

MVP: A Natural Fit?

Jake Paul's MVP appears to be a natural fit for Shields, despite some public disagreements. MVP houses several top fighters, including many of Shields' natural rivals like Terri Harper, Savannah Marshall, and Shadasia Green. Shields has expressed openness to speaking with every promoter, emphasizing that alignment of vision is crucial.

Limited Options in the United States

In the U.S., Shields' options are somewhat limited. Top Rank has only two female fighters and no current TV deal after ending its association with ESPN. Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) doesn't have any female fighters signed. MVP has been a significant platform for female fighters in the U.S., staging an all-female card on Netflix in July that drew six million viewers.

The UK Option

Despite past successes in the UK, a move to Matchroom or Queensberry seems unlikely. Matchroom remains a big player in women's boxing, but Queensberry lost its biggest star, Chantelle Cameron, to MVP. Shields' previous promoter, Boxxer, faces an uncertain future as it appears set to part ways with Sky Sports.

Future Fights and Opportunities

Shields has several options for her next fight. She could re-sign with Salita Promotions or explore short-term deals similar to Terence Crawford and Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez. There's also been talk of a fight with Laila Ali, though this would be more of a spectacle than a competitive match. Franchon Crews-Dezurn, an old rival, seems the most likely opponent for Shields.

Conclusion

Claressa Shields is at a pivotal point in her career. With numerous promotional options and potential fights on the horizon, her next move will be crucial in solidifying her status as the universally accepted pound-for-pound female number one in boxing.