Claressa Shields Signs $8 Million Boxing Contract with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records on November 7, 2025

Claressa Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and undisputed world champion in three weight classes, has signed a significant multi-year promotional contract valued at $8 million. This deal, announced on November 7, 2025, marks a notable moment in women's boxing, with Shields stating it will provide a platform to "keep breaking barriers inside and outside the ring."

Background and Deal Details

Shields, who has maintained an unbeaten professional record of 17 wins, has chosen to extend her partnership with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records. This new agreement is reported to be the most lucrative in the history of women's professional boxing. The fighter, aged 30, reportedly turned down interest from Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) before finalizing this contract.

The contract is described as "groundbreaking" and a "statement," aiming to offer Shields a platform for both her in-ring career and her advocacy for equality in sports. This partnership with Wynn Records is also expected to generate new opportunities for other fighters and enhance fan experiences.

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Upcoming Bout and Potential Opponents

Following the contract announcement, Shields is set to defend her undisputed heavyweight crown against fellow American Franchon Crews-Dezurn. This bout is scheduled for February 22, 2026, at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. Crews-Dezurn, aged 38, has also achieved world championship status in the super-middleweight division.

Prior to this new deal, Shields had expressed openness to exploring offers from various promoters, a stance reported in July 2025. Despite interest from entities like MVP, Shields has opted to remain with her long-time promoter, Dmitriy Salita, while also partnering with Wynn Records. Another potential future opponent mentioned is British welterweight champion Lauren Price, with whom Shields shares Olympic gold medal status.

Financial and Career Implications

The $8 million deal, equivalent to approximately £6.1 million, underscores Shields' prominent position in the sport. Her ability to secure undisputed titles across multiple weight classes, combined with her public persona, makes her a highly sought-after athlete. This contract is expected to facilitate her continued dominance in the ring and amplify her voice in advocating for greater recognition and resources for women in boxing. The partnership with Wynn Records is also positioned to create a more robust infrastructure for fighter development and fan engagement within the sport.

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Expert and Athlete Perspectives

While specific expert analyses are not detailed in the provided text, Claressa Shields herself has articulated the significance of the contract. She views it as a tool to "keep breaking barriers inside and outside the ring" and a "statement" about the evolving landscape of women's boxing. The contract's structure and value suggest a shared belief from Salita Promotions and Wynn Records in Shields' continued marketability and athletic prowess. The rejection of other prominent offers, such as from MVP, indicates a strategic decision by Shields to align with promoters who she believes offer the optimal platform for her career objectives.

Conclusion

Claressa Shields has finalized a landmark $8 million promotional contract with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records. This agreement solidifies her status as a premier athlete in women's boxing and is intended to propel her career forward, both in terms of competitive opportunities and her ongoing efforts to promote equality. Her first fight under the new deal is scheduled for February 2026 against Franchon Crews-Dezurn. The deal represents a substantial financial investment and a strategic alliance aimed at leveraging Shields' influence and talent for mutual benefit and broader industry advancement.

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Sources:

• Sky Sports: Claressa Shields: Boxing superstar signs 'groundbreaking' $8m multi-year promotional contract

• URL: https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12040/13465499/claressa-shields-boxing-superstar-signs-groundbreaking-8m-multi-year-promotional-contract

• Summary context: Details the contract signing, value, partners, and Shields' stated goals.

• BBC Sport (Article 2): Claressa Shields: American boxer signs $8m multi-fight deal

• URL: https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/articles/ce8gj9rk83do

• Summary context: Confirms the $8m deal, partners, Shields' ambitions for equality, and her rejection of MVP.

• BBC Sport (Article 3): Claressa Shields to face Franchon Crews-Dezurn in first fight of new deal

• URL: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/articles/cgkezxr67n4o

• Summary context: Focuses on the first fight under the new deal, naming Franchon Crews-Dezurn as the opponent and confirming the February 2026 date.

• ESPN: Claressa Shields inks $8M, multifight deal, eyes early '26 return

• URL: https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/46871677/claressa-shields-inks-8m-multifight-deal-eyes-early-26-return

• Summary context: Reports the $8M deal, her decision to stay with Salita Promotions, and partnership with Wynn Records, along with the mention of unique opportunities.

• BBC Sport (Article 5): Boxing: MVP & Jake Paul - who could Claressa Shields sign with as a promotional free agent?

• URL: https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/articles/c04rlyzdpvwo

• Summary context: Provides context from an earlier period (July 2025) about Shields' potential free agency and openness to discussions with various promoters, including MVP.