Report: Boxing Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields Inks Deal With The PFL

Mandatory Credit: Associated Press

The PFL has added quite the name to their ever-expanding roster tonight. The promotion, headed up by Ray Sefo has reportedly come to terms on a deal with two-time Olympic gold medalist, WBC, and WBO light middleweight titleholder, Claressa 'T-Rex' Shields.

The 25-year-old Flint, Michigan native has according to a report from MMA Junkie reporter, John Morgan penned a deal to link up with the Professional Fighters League as she begins preparation for a floated transition to professional mixed martial arts.

Undefeated in professional boxing with a perfect 10-0 résumé, the London and Rio de Janeiro Olympic gold medal winner last featured professionally in January of this year, taking home a unanimous decision victory over Croat, Ivana Habazin. 

The renowned puncher has been continously linked with outings against current Bellator featherweight titleholder, Cris Cyborg, and even more so, current two-weight world champion, Amanda 'The Lioness' Nunes who plys her trade with the UFC.

Shields is expected to make her professional debut with PFL under their lightweight division, which is currently ruled by fellow two-time Olympic gold medal victor, Judoka standout, Kayla Harrison who claimed the 2019 PFL lightweight tournament crown and $1 million cheque. For her January judging win over Habazin, Shields officially made weight at 153.4-pounds.

According to Morgan's report, Shields will begin her professional mixed martial arts career taking one-off fights at lightweight for the promotion, in a similar approach as to how the above-mentioned, Harrison who joined the organization in June of 2018 - notching a whopping seven straight wins in the time since.