Who is Claressa Shields?
If you’re looking for a fierce, fearless, and totally unstoppable woman in the ring, look no further than Claressa Shields. Born on March 17, 1995, in the often-overlooked Flint, Michigan, Claressa didn’t just take the boxing world by storm – she became a force of nature. Hailing from a city known for its challenges, Shields wasn’t about to let anything hold her back. She was raised by her mother, Marcella Adams, and grandmother, Joanne Adams, after her father, Bo Shields, was incarcerated when she was just two. Despite a rocky start, Claressa would go on to become not just a world champion but a true pioneer in women’s boxing.
Claressa Shields Career
Now, let’s talk about the punch that made Shields a household name (and a hefty paycheck). Starting her career in boxing at the tender age of 11 years old, Claressa did not waste time. It was in 2012 and now at the age of 17 she had become the first American female boxer to win an Olympic gold medal. She didn’t stop there, though – no, she doubled down and repeated the feat at the 2016 Rio Olympics, making her the first American boxer (male or female) to win consecutive Olympic gold medals. Talk about setting the bar sky-high.
It is, of course, about the gold. Claressa has accumulated titles as though they were going out of style. A three-division world champion and holder of all four major belts simultaneously in two weight classes, she’s sort of a big deal. But, actually, the most telling statistic is that she became a two-weight and three-weight world champion in the shortest amount of time in history. She entered the boxing world but ended up redefining it.
Besides that, she has also ventured into mixed martial arts, signing a deal with the Professional Fighters League in 2020. No big deal – just adding another title to her collection. Shields made her MMA debut in 2021 and proved to everybody that her skills in the ring could be great for the octagon, too. She’s like that friend who does everything and does it well. Annoying but also really, really impressive.
Claressa Shields Net Worth
Now, let’s talk about the money, honey. As of 2024, Claressa Shields’ net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. How did she get there, you ask? Well, boxing certainly played a major role. With her fierce performances and relentless pursuit of greatness, she’s earned millions in boxing purses. But let’s not forget about the endorsements. Companies like Puma, Audi, and Monster Energy jumped on the Claressa Shields bandwagon – and who could blame them? She’s the ultimate combination of brains, beauty, and brawn.
Oh, and let’s not forget her MMA career, which brings in some good money as well. So yeah, she’s got it made in the shade, with a solid career both in the ring and outside of it. Shields is the best proof that breaking glass ceilings can break your bank account (in the best way).
Claressa Shields Age
At 29 years old, Claressa Shields is still in the prime of her career. Where others take a step back in their 30s (yes, we are looking at you, Father Time), Shields is just getting started. In fact, with that already impressive list of accomplishments, it is downright frightening to imagine what she could do in the next decade. The woman is a machine, and I’m not sure anyone in the boxing world is ready for her to slow down – nor should they be.
Claressa Shields Family: Parents
While Claressa’s career is undoubtedly the highlight of her life, her family plays a huge role in her success. Her father, Bo Shields, was a boxer himself, although his time in the ring was cut short due to his incarceration. However, he encouraged Claressa to take on boxing gloves at a very young age. Her mother, Marcella Adams, and grandmother, Joanne Adams, provided the emotional and financial support for Claressa to pursue her dreams in a city where many kids have fewer opportunities.
Though her family was not exactly the poster-perfect “American Dream” story, they were the pillars she leaned on. She credits them for helping her get over the many obstacles life threw her way. As she quotes, “When you come from nothing, everything is a blessing.” Her resilience reflects the love and guidance – and maybe just a little bit of fury at the world for trying to hold her back.
Claressa Shields Height and Weight
Height: 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m)
Weight: 75 kg (165 lbs)
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