DETROIT, Michigan — Claressa Shields, the undisputed heavyweight champion, successfully defended her titles with a unanimous decision victory over longtime rival Franchon Crews-Dezurn in a 10-round bout at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday, marking the second time Shields has bested Crews-Dezurn in their professional careers. The judges scored the fight 100-90 across all three cards, highlighting Shields’ dominance in a rematch that stemmed from their shared professional debut nearly a decade ago and was intensified by a chaotic pre-fight brawl at the weigh-in.
Shields, fighting in her hometown, improved her record to 18-0 with 2 knockouts, solidifying her status as one of the most accomplished boxers in women’s history. Crews-Dezurn, who entered the ring as the unified World Boxing Association and World Boxing Council super middleweight champion, fell to 10-3 with 2 knockouts. The event, promoted by Salita Promotions and broadcast on DAZN, drew a crowd eager to witness the culmination of a rivalry that has spanned years in the amateur and professional ranks.
The fight followed a tumultuous build-up, including a viral altercation at Saturday’s weigh-in where tensions between the camps erupted into physical clashes. Despite the chaos, which reportedly left Crews-Dezurn with minor injuries, the bout proceeded as scheduled, delivering on the promise of high-stakes action between two decorated athletes.
Shields adjusted to Crews-Dezurn’s aggressive early style, using her superior footwork and precision to control the pace after the initial rounds. “I had to take my time tonight,” Shields said in a post-fight interview with DAZN. “That’s one of the toughest fights I’ve been in during my pro career. She hits hard these days.”
Crews-Dezurn, known for her powerful punches and relentless pressure, started strong, attempting to close the distance and land heavy shots. However, Shields’ experience at higher weight classes allowed her to weather the storm and counter effectively, turning the contest into a showcase of her technical prowess.
The rematch was a full-circle moment for both fighters, who first met in the ring on November 19, 2016, in Las Vegas. That encounter, a four-round super middleweight bout, served as the professional debut for each, with Shields emerging victorious by unanimous decision. Since then, both have carved out impressive careers, but their paths have intersected again in this heavyweight showdown.
Promoter Dmitriy Salita praised the event’s intensity in a statement released after the fight. “This was women’s boxing at its finest,” Salita said. “Claressa continues to prove why she’s the GWOAT, and Franchon showed incredible heart. Detroit delivered a night to remember.”
Leading into the fight, the weigh-in incident dominated headlines. Video footage captured a heated face-off escalating into a melee involving team members from both sides. Security intervened to separate the groups, and while no arrests were made, the Michigan Athletic Commission conducted a brief review to ensure the bout could proceed without further issues.
Shields, 30, has been a dominant force in boxing since turning professional. A two-time Olympic gold medalist in 2012 and 2016, she became the first American boxer to win consecutive Olympic golds. Her professional journey has seen her capture titles in multiple weight classes, including junior middleweight, middleweight, and super middleweight before moving up to heavyweight.
In February 2025, Shields claimed the undisputed heavyweight crown with a unanimous decision over Danielle Perkins, adding another chapter to her legacy. She has defended the titles once prior to this bout, maintaining an unblemished record that includes wins over notable opponents like Savannah Marshall and Marie-Eve Dicaire.
Crews-Dezurn, 38, brought her own storied background to the ring. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, on June 13, 1987, she stands at 5 feet 8 inches with a 72-inch reach, fighting out of Baltimore, Maryland. Her amateur career spanned 12 years, during which she amassed an 8-time national championship record and competed internationally.
Turning professional in 2016 alongside Shields, Crews-Dezurn quickly rose through the ranks. She captured her first world title in 2018, winning the World Boxing Council super middleweight belt with a majority decision over Maricela Cornejo. Over the years, she has unified titles, becoming the undisputed super middleweight champion in April 2022 after defeating Elin Cederroos.
However, Crews-Dezurn’s reign as undisputed champion was short-lived. In July 2023, she lost the titles to Savannah Marshall in a majority decision in Manchester, England. Undeterred, she regrouped and reclaimed the World Boxing Association interim and vacant World Boxing Council super middleweight titles in December 2023 with a unanimous decision over Shadasia Green.
In her most recent outing before facing Shields, Crews-Dezurn defended those titles in June 2025, securing a majority decision against Citlalli Ortiz at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. This victory set the stage for her move up to heavyweight to challenge Shields, a decision driven by the allure of the rematch and the opportunity to dethrone the sport’s biggest star.
The rivalry between Shields and Crews-Dezurn extends beyond their 2016 debut. Both women crossed paths in the amateur circuit, with Shields often getting the upper hand. Crews-Dezurn, nicknamed “The Heavy Hitting Diva,” has spoken about the personal motivation behind the rematch, emphasizing her growth as a fighter over the past decade.
In a pre-fight interview with ESPN, Crews-Dezurn reflected on the journey. “The odds are stacked against me, but I’ve been the underdog before,” she said. “This is about proving I’m the greatest, and taking down Claressa would cement that.”
Shields, dubbed “The GWOAT” for Greatest Woman of All Time, has not only excelled in boxing but also ventured into mixed martial arts, holding a 2-1 record in the Professional Fighters League. Her crossover appeal has brought significant attention to women’s combat sports, with endorsements and media appearances amplifying her influence.
The Detroit event was part of a broader card featuring emerging talents in women’s boxing. Undercard bouts included a junior welterweight clash where Jaqeem Hutcherson outpointed Samantha Worthington over eight rounds, and a super featherweight contest seeing Nadia Meknouzi stop Kayla Williams in the sixth round. These fights underscored the growing depth in the division.
Attendance at Little Caesars Arena was reported at over 15,000, a strong showing for women’s boxing. The atmosphere was electric, with fans chanting for Shields throughout the night. Local celebrities and sports figures, including members of the Detroit Pistons and Lions, were in attendance, adding to the event’s prestige.
The fight itself unfolded methodically. Crews-Dezurn pressed forward in the opening rounds, landing several clean shots that tested Shields’ chin. By the third round, however, Shields began to find her rhythm, using jabs to keep distance and following with combinations that scored points.
Midway through the bout, Shields’ superior conditioning became evident. Crews-Dezurn, moving up from super middleweight, appeared to tire, allowing Shields to dictate the action. In the later rounds, Shields landed at will, though Crews-Dezurn’s resilience prevented a stoppage.
Analysts noted Shields’ strategic adjustments. Boxing commentator Teddy Atlas, in a post-fight analysis on ESPN, commended her patience. “Claressa didn’t rush; she broke Franchon down systematically,” Atlas said. “This was a masterclass in boxing IQ.”
Crews-Dezurn’s team expressed pride in her performance despite the loss. Trainer Peter Kahn, who has managed her career, stated in a release, “Franchon gave everything she had against the best. We’ll regroup and come back stronger in super middleweight.”
The broader context of this fight highlights the evolution of women’s boxing. Once a niche within the sport, it has gained mainstream recognition, thanks in part to fighters like Shields and Crews-Dezurn. The World Boxing Council and other sanctioning bodies have increased support, leading to more unified titles and high-profile events.
Shields’ dominance at heavyweight raises questions about her future opponents. Potential challengers include former titleholders like Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse or emerging heavyweights from Europe. Shields has expressed interest in defending her titles multiple times in 2026, possibly including a bout in the United Kingdom to expand her international fanbase.
Crews-Dezurn, meanwhile, is expected to return to super middleweight, where she holds two belts. Mandatory defenses await, and a potential trilogy with Savannah Marshall could be on the horizon, given their competitive history.
The Michigan Athletic Commission reported no major infractions during the event, though they will review the weigh-in incident for possible fines. Both camps have downplayed the altercation, focusing instead on the in-ring performance.
Women’s boxing continues to grow, with increased media coverage and sponsorships. Events like this one demonstrate the sport’s viability, drawing comparisons to landmark fights in men’s divisions. Shields’ victory not only cements her legacy but also paves the way for future generations.
Looking forward, Shields may explore opportunities beyond boxing, including acting and philanthropy. She has been vocal about mental health and empowerment for young women, using her platform to advocate for change.
Crews-Dezurn, a multifaceted individual, is also involved in music and fashion. Known for her ring entrances featuring original songs, she blends athleticism with artistry, appealing to a diverse audience.
The fight’s outcome reinforces Shields’ position as the pound-for-pound leader in women’s boxing. Rankings from outlets like The Ring magazine place her at No. 2 overall, behind only male counterparts in combined lists.
As the dust settles, both fighters are likely to take time to recover. Shields mentioned in her victory speech a desire to celebrate in Detroit with family and friends. Crews-Dezurn, ever the competitor, hinted at immediate plans to return to the gym.
Conclusion
Claressa Shields’ unanimous decision victory over Franchon Crews-Dezurn encapsulates the drama, skill, and resilience defining top-tier women’s boxing. Retaining her undisputed heavyweight titles, Shields extends her unbeaten streak while Crews-Dezurn demonstrates unwavering determination despite the setback. This rematch, born from a decade-old rivalry, underscores the sport’s progress and sets the stage for future high-profile contests, ensuring the legacy of both athletes endures in boxing history.
