Published 47 days ago
Claressa Shields reveals the behind-the-scenes of the failed negotiations with Cris Cyborg, as told by the American champion herself.
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Claressa Shields revealed that Cris Cyborg turned down a $2 million offer to face the Brazilian at 154 pounds. A financial gap and tensions during sparring fueled a budding rivalry between the two champions.
To remember:
- Claressa Shields explains why Cris Cyborg refused: a demand for higher pay than the initial $2 million offer for a 154-pound fight.
- A Saudi promoter offered $3 million for Shields and $2 million for Cyborg, revealing an imbalance in negotiations.
- Initially cordial relations between the two athletes deteriorated after a heated sparring session, fueling a rivalry.
- Shields recently won the WBA and WBC middleweight titles against Kay Scott, while Cyborg remains undefeated in MMA after her victory over Ketlen Vieira in PFL.
The world of women’s boxing was shaken by revelations from Claressa Shields, the two-time Olympic champion and undisputed star of middleweight boxing. In a recent interview, she pulled back the curtain on the failed negotiations with Cris Cyborg, one of MMA’s greatest figures. According to Shields, a Saudi promoter had offered a fight at 154 pounds (69.8 kg) with a total purse of $5 million, split unevenly: $3 million for her and $2 million for Cyborg.
Yet, despite initially cordial relations between the two athletes, Cyborg reportedly turned down the offer, demanding higher pay. Shields called this gap « revealing of a budding rivalry, » fueled by a tense sparring session between the two champions. « You could feel the tension from the first few minutes, » she admitted, recalling verbal exchanges and physical provocations during their joint training.
A Fight That Would Have Made History
A showdown between Shields and Cyborg would have been a historic event, bringing together two of the greatest champions in their respective sports. Shields, undefeated in boxing with 14 wins (2 by KO), had just claimed the WBA and WBC middleweight titles by dominating Kay Scott. Meanwhile, Cyborg, an MMA legend with 27 wins in 28 fights, was riding an impressive streak: a victory over Ketlen Vieira in the PFL, confirming her dominance in the cage.
But it was the financial aspect that ultimately doomed the fight. Cyborg, accustomed to high purses in MMA, reportedly deemed the offer insufficient for a bout against Shields, a boxer whose popularity is rapidly growing. « She wanted more, and that’s her right, » Shields commented, adding: « But when you look at the numbers, you realize some priorities are different. »
Rivalry or Misunderstanding?
Tensions between the two athletes are nothing new. Their heated sparring session, filmed and widely discussed on social media, fueled speculation about a personal animosity. Shields, known for her bluntness, didn’t hesitate to call out what she sees as a lack of professionalism from Cyborg. « You can’t mix the genres. In boxing, we respect each other. In MMA, it’s different. »
Yet, Cyborg has not yet publicly responded to these statements. Her silence leaves questions unanswered: Is this purely a matter of pay, or a strategy to avoid a fight that could be unfavorable? One thing is certain: the story between these two champions is far from over.
Between a budding rivalry and financial stakes, the Shields vs Cyborg fight remains a dream that never materialized. Yet, with such determined champions, a revival of negotiations—or even a rematch in the ring—can’t be ruled out.