Claressa Shields likely to see her influence expand with biopic

Claressa Shields, widely regarded as the most accomplished women’s boxer in history, is set to add another milestone to her historic career with the release of a feature film based on her life and career. 

Dmitry Salita, head of Salita Promotions, believes Shields’ impact on and off the canvas is unmatched and will only grow with her latest endeavor.

Shields, 29, of Flint, Michigan, is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-division undisputed champion and has captured 13 world titles across junior middleweight, middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight. Her July knockout of Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse cemented her place as the first woman to simultaneously hold titles in boxing’s heaviest divisions.

“She said to me, ‘Dmitry, I’ll sign with you, but promise me you’ll make the biggest and best fights,’” Salita told BoxingScene. “In her fourth pro fight, she faced Niki Adler, an undefeated, long-time champion. In her sixth, it was Hannah Gabriels, one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. By her eighth fight, she headlined against Christina Hammer in what was the biggest women’s boxing match at that time. Claressa has always aimed for greatness, and she’s achieved it.”

Shields, 15-0 (3 KOs), will likely see her influence further expand with “The Fire Inside,” a biopic directed by Rachel Morrison and starring Ryan Destiny as Shields, releasing nationwide on Dec. 25. Salita expressed confidence in the film’s potential to inspire fans and elevate women’s boxing.

“I watched the movie two weeks ago – it’s one of the best, if not the best, boxing movies I’ve ever seen,” Salita said. “We’ve seen the impact of Katie Taylor-Amanda Serrano in bringing women’s boxing to the next level. Claressa, who was the first woman to main event on premium cable in just her second professional fight, has made history every time she steps in the ring. This movie will connect boxing fans and everyday people to the journey of a champion.”

Shields’ bouts have regularly been historic. Her victory over Savannah Marshall in October 2022 broke viewership records as the most-watched women’s sporting event on Sky Sports at two million viewers. Salita noted the rarity of Shields’ achievements, saying, “I’ve followed boxing since I was a kid, and I’ve never seen a US fighter in their prime go to a rival’s hometown and beat them. Claressa did that with Marshall, and every fight of hers is significant.”

While details about Shields’ next opponent and venue are still being finalized, Salita, without being specific, revealed the fight would likely take place at a weight near that of her recent title win. Salita also noted that Shields has fought on HBO, Showtime, ESPN, DAZN and Sky Sports, something uncommon given that most promoters and some fighters have exclusive rights to certain networks.

Lucas Ketelle is a proud member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and author of “Inside The Ropes of Boxing” (available on Amazon). Contact him on X @LukieBoxing.