Promotion officials announced the news on Wednesday.
Shields’ debut will take place as part of the card that will also kick off the second half of the upcoming season airing on ESPN2.
“I am very excited to cement my legacy as the greatest woman of all time,” Shields said in a statement. “I cannot wait to step into the PFL cage for the first time on June 10 and show the world that I never back down from a challenge. I have shown I am the best boxer in the world and eventually I intend to do the same thing as a mixed martial artist.”
Since signing with the PFL on a multi-year deal, Shields has been training at the famed Jackson-Wink Academy in Albuquerque, N.M. under the watchful eyes of coaches Mike Winkeljohn and Greg Jackson. Shields has also been working alongside former UFC champion Holly Holm, who held multiple titles in boxing before making her transition into MMA as well.
As for Elkin, she will step into the fight against Shields with a 3-6 record overall with past fights in the PFL and Bellator. Funny enough, Elkin also served as the debut opponent for two-time Olympic gold medalist Kayla Harrison when she made her PFL debut back in 2018.
On that night, Harrison dispatched Elkin by first round armbar to move to 1-0 in her career.
“I’m very grateful to be back in the PFL and to have this opportunity to square off with Claressa Shields,” Elkin said. “I know she is a great boxer but this is MMA and I plan to show everyone that I am a well-rounded fighter who can compete wherever the fight takes me.”
With Shields vs. Elkin booked, more fights will be announced for the PFL card on June 10 in the coming weeks after the first series of bouts start to take place on April 23.
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