Claressa Shields is quickly becoming one of the best boxers in the world today, but it would appear that Shields is making the transition to professional MMA.
The boxer recently revealed that a professional MMA debut could come as early as September of next year.
“Yeah, debuting September of next year,” Shields said to Bad Left Hook. “I’ve done some wrestling training, going to start my BJJ next month and learn some kicks. So next year September I’ll be ready!”
Shields is currently 9-0-0 as a professional boxer, but has no amateur MMA experience or much MMA training to speak of at this time.
One reason that Shields has decided to transition to MMA is due to the lack of respect and money that women allegedly get in professional boxing.
“The women get more respect over there and money,” she said. “Truth be told I’m a world-class athlete, I have carried myself like a leader, putting on great performances and taking tough challenges. But still the acknowledgment is not there.”
There is no word yet as to which promotion Shields will fight for, but she has expressed interested in competing for Bellator MMA in the past.
