Two-time Olympic boxing gold medalist Claressa Shields moves to mixed martial arts

Two-time Olympic gold medalist and three-division champion Claressa Shields is dipping her toes into mixed martial arts.

Shields, touted by many as the top female pound-for-pound boxer today, chose to sign with Professional Fighters League. The announcement was made by the promotion on Tuesday evening.

“I am thrilled to announce that the PFL has signed Claressa Shields, a two-time Olympic Boxing gold medalist and three-division pro boxing world champion,” said Peter Murray, CEO of PFL.

“She has transcended sports and has become a global icon and an inspiration to aspiring young athletes. Claressa is an incredible human being, a bona fide star athlete, and has an amazing story.”

The 25-year-old Shields holds an unblemished record of 10-0 with 2 knockouts as a professional boxer. In addition to being a mixed martial arts fighter, Murray revealed that Shields would still get to continue her boxing career.

“Claressa will continue to box professionally as she embarks on her multi-year PFL MMA career. Fans will get to experience her professional MMA debut in 2021,” said Murray.

With her eyes set on being branded as the greatest woman of all time, Shields believes that her goal is only possible if she can be a world champion in mixed martial arts as well.

“Since turning pro it has been my goal to be the GWOAT and to be a two-sport star like Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders. I want to go where no man or woman has gone and hold championships in both boxing and MMA at the same time.” – JM Siasat/RC, GMA News