Claressa Shields: The GWOAT’s Next Fight—Why The ‘Fight Tonight’ Query Is Wrong And What’s Next In Her Historic Career

As of today, December 12, 2025, Claressa Shields does not have a boxing or MMA fight scheduled for tonight. The search query "Claressa Shields fight tonight" is a common one, reflecting the immense public interest in the undisputed champion, but fans must look ahead to 2026 for her next major event. The "GWOAT" (Greatest Woman Of All Time) is currently preparing for one of the most anticipated rematches of her career, a high-stakes showdown that will solidify her legacy in the sport. The immediate focus for the three-division undisputed champion is a monumental return to the ring in her home state. This article provides the most up-to-date information on her next opponent, the date and location of the bout, a deep dive into her incredible biography, and the latest on the status of her polarizing mixed martial arts career with the PFL.

Claressa Shields: The Undisputed Biography and Professional Profile

Claressa Maria Shields is an American professional boxer who has cemented her status as one of the most decorated combat sports athletes in history. Known by her formidable nicknames "T-Rex" and "The GWOAT," Shields has achieved unparalleled success in both the amateur and professional ranks. Her journey from Flint, Michigan, to global superstardom is a testament to her dedication and elite skill level.

• Full Name: Claressa Maria Shields
• Nicknames: T-Rex, The GWOAT (Greatest Woman Of All Time)
• Date of Birth: March 17, 1995
• Place of Birth: Flint, Michigan, USA
• Professional Boxing Record: 17 Wins, 0 Losses, 3 KOs (As of late 2025)
• Amateur Career Highlights: Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist (2012, 2016) in the Women's Middleweight division, becoming the first American boxer to achieve this feat.
• Major Professional Titles: Undisputed Champion in three weight classes (Middleweight, Light Middleweight, Heavyweight). She holds the record for becoming a two, three, four, and five-division world champion in the fewest professional fights.
• MMA Record: 2 Wins, 1 Loss (Professional Fighters League - PFL)

Her professional boxing debut took place in 2016, a moment that also marked the start of a decade-long rivalry that is set to culminate in her next fight. Shields has consistently defeated elite competition, unifying titles with remarkable speed and efficiency, making her a true pound-for-pound great in the sport of boxing.

The Next Chapter: Shields vs. Crews-Dezurn Rematch Details

While a "Claressa Shields fight tonight" is not happening, the boxing world is buzzing about her next scheduled bout. The undisputed heavyweight champion is set to defend her titles in a highly anticipated rematch against her former rival, Franchon Crews-Dezurn.

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Date, Location, and Stakes of the Rematch

The monumental event is scheduled for Sunday, February 22, 2026.

The fight will take place at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, marking a significant homecoming for the Flint native.

The stakes are incredibly high: Shields will be defending her Undisputed Heavyweight World Championship. This bout is the first of an $8 million, multi-fight deal Shields secured last year, underscoring her value as a global sports icon.

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A Decade-Long Rivalry Comes Full Circle

The history between Shields and Crews-Dezurn is deep, dating back to their professional debuts. Franchon Crews-Dezurn was Shields' opponent in her very first professional fight in November 2016. Claressa Shields won that initial meeting by unanimous decision.

Now, nearly a decade later, the rivalry is coming full circle with both fighters having achieved significant success in the professional ranks. This rematch is not just a title defense; it is a legacy fight that will settle a long-standing score and further define Shields' dominance in the heavyweight division.

Crews-Dezurn, a former undisputed super middleweight champion, represents a credible and motivated challenge. The bout is expected to be a technical and aggressive affair, with both women known for their relentless pressure and high-volume punching. Fans eager to watch the event can tune in live on DAZN, which will broadcast the event globally.

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The Evolving Status of Claressa Shields’ MMA Career

Beyond the boxing ring, Claressa Shields has spent the last few years navigating a challenging, yet fascinating, dual-sport career. Her foray into Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) added another layer of complexity to her career narrative and generated significant topical authority among combat sports enthusiasts.

PFL Debut and the Goal of Simultaneous Championships

Shields signed a multi-year contract with the PFL in 2020, with the ambitious goal of becoming the first athlete to hold championships in both boxing and MMA simultaneously.

Her MMA journey was a rapid learning curve:

• She made her professional MMA debut at PFL 4.
• She amassed a professional MMA record of 2 wins and 1 loss.
• Her commitment to the sport required her to split training time between boxing and grappling, a notoriously difficult balance for any elite athlete.

The Latest Update: Stepping Away from the SmartCage

Despite a previous contract extension and her stated goal, the most recent and significant updates suggest a shift in focus. As of late 2025, Claressa Shields has reportedly confirmed that she has no desire to continue her MMA career, effectively walking away from the PFL SmartCage.

This decision appears to stem from the realization that achieving champion status in both sports simultaneously would require too much time and sacrifice, particularly as her boxing career continues to demand her full attention at the elite level. Shields herself has hinted at possible retirement from MMA, stating that she doesn't have enough time to train to become a PFL champion while maintaining her boxing dominance.

For now, the focus is squarely back on boxing. This move allows her to dedicate 100% of her preparation to her upcoming title defense against Crews-Dezurn, ensuring her undisputed status remains unchallenged. The dream of simultaneous championships may be on hold, but the pursuit of boxing perfection is very much alive.

Preparation and Legacy: Why Shields Remains a Must-Watch

Claressa Shields’ training camps are legendary, known for their intensity and focus on maintaining her flawless professional record. Her preparations for the February 2026 rematch will undoubtedly be centered on conditioning and tactical adjustments necessary to defeat a familiar, yet improved, opponent like Crews-Dezurn.

The consistent success of the "GWOAT" has been a major driving force in elevating women's boxing to new heights. Her accolades—including being the only boxer, male or female, in the four-belt era to be an undisputed champion in two weight classes simultaneously—make her a generational talent.

In the absence of a "Claressa Shields fight tonight," fans can anticipate a spectacular return on February 22, 2026. This bout is not merely another defense; it is a critical step in her mission to leave no doubt that she is the greatest woman of all time in the sport of boxing.