Claressa Shields‘ Next Move: Navigating the Boxing Landscape and Potential with MVP
Claressa Shields, a dominant force in women’s boxing, currently finds herself at a pivotal point in her career, evaluating her promotional options. While several paths exist, the emerging prominence of Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), led by Jake Paul, appears a surprisingly natural fit – despite some prior public disagreements with Paul himself.Shields recently voiced her disagreement with MVP’s ranking of the winner of the Katie Taylor vs. Amanda serrano trilogy as the women’s pound-for-pound number one. Undefeated across 17 professional fights, Shields understandably believes she holds a strong claim too that title.
Why MVP is a Compelling Option
MVP has quickly established itself as a key player in women’s boxing, offering important platforms and opportunities. Consider these factors:
Growing Roster: MVP already represents a number of shields’ potential rivals, including lightweight champion Terri Harper, who recently joined their stable.
Existing Rivalries: The roster also includes Savannah Marshall and Shadasia Green,both familiar faces for Shields. Notably, Shields previously defeated Marshall professionally, though Marshall holds an amateur victory from 2012.
Netflix Exposure: MVP demonstrated its commitment to women’s boxing with an all-female card streamed on Netflix in July, attracting a massive audience of six million viewers.
Financial Potential: Reports indicate Taylor and serrano earned approximately $17.6 million (£14m) for their recent bout, showcasing MVP’s ability to deliver substantial paydays.
Shields herself remains open to discussions with all promoters, stating she’ll pursue partnerships only if their vision aligns with her own. She emphasized a willingness to collaborate, but also a firm stance on maintaining control over her career trajectory.
Limited Alternatives in the US Market
Interestingly, Shields’ options within the United States are surprisingly constrained. Top Rank, historically a leading promoter, currently has only two female fighters under contract. Furthermore, they recently ended their long-standing television deal with ESPN, creating uncertainty about their future broadcasting plans.
Premier Boxing Champions (PBC),another major player,doesn’t currently represent any female boxers. This leaves MVP as arguably the most viable option for Shields to achieve both competitive matchups and significant financial rewards within the US boxing scene.
the Financial Question
Shields has publicly stated her expectation of earning a minimum of $4.75 million (£3.8m) per fight.This is an ambitious figure, to be sure, and exceeds the typical earnings for most boxers, male or female. However, shields’ star power, combined with her undeniable skills and engaging personality, could make her a valuable asset to a promoter like MVP, particularly given their partnership with Netflix.
Ultimately, Shields’ decision will hinge on finding a promotional partner who can deliver on her financial expectations and provide the platform she needs to continue solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest female boxers of all time. Her ability to entertain both inside and outside the ring makes her an attractive prospect, and a collaboration with MVP could prove mutually beneficial.