Claressa Shields Confirms She’ll Drop From Heavyweight for Major Fights

Claressa Shields says she is making more money at heavyweight than ever before — but she is willing to drop back down in weight for the right fights.

Shields defends her undisputed heavyweight championship this Sunday, February 22, against Franchón Crews-Dezurn at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, live on DAZN worldwide. It is a rematch nearly a decade in the making and a major fight week moment for the self-proclaimed “GWOAT.”

“Everything is going great. I’m so excited it’s finally fight week. I had a great camp,” Shields told World Boxing News.

“I always win my fights by KO or Unanimous Decision. But I’ve trained really hard, and I believe I can get the KO.”

Heavyweight Payday — But Not A Permanent Move

Questions remain over whether Shields will stay at heavyweight for the rest of her career, especially given the financial upside attached to the division.

“Will I remain at heavyweight the rest of my career? Listen, I was making nowhere near the money I’m making now at heavyweight 175 pounds.

“I am willing to fight at 165, 163 to make big fights and even 160 for a middleweight champion fight.”

The statement confirms Shields is not locked into one weight class. Heavyweight has boosted her earnings, but it has not limited her ambition.

Targets Identified

Shields made it clear she has options across multiple divisions.

“I have my eyes on everyone. I want to give the fans great fights. So myself versus Shadasia Greene. Myself vs Lauren Price. Myself vs Mikaela Mayer. Myself vs Amanda Nunes in a boxing match one day.”

Those names span weight classes and promotional alignments, signaling that Shields is open to marquee matchups beyond Detroit this weekend.

MVP And The Business Landscape

Shields also revealed she nearly signed with Most Valuable Promotions, praising their structure and how they have elevated women’s boxing.

“I like what MVP is doing with their women’s stable of fighters. I almost signed with them. They have a good system and did a great job making Amanda Serrano a superstar.”

For now, the focus remains on Sunday night and defending her undisputed heavyweight crown.

But Shields has made one thing clear — heavyweight success has expanded her leverage, not restricted her future.

The paydays have changed. Her options have not.

About the Author

Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.