Quick Read
- Claressa Shields defeated Franchon Crews-Dezurn by unanimous decision in Detroit.
- The victory on February 22, 2026, allowed Shields to retain her undisputed women’s heavyweight title.
- Shields demonstrated composure and strategic adjustments to overcome Crews-Dezurn’s early aggression.
- This was Shields’ 18th professional win, maintaining her undefeated record.
- She announced plans to fight Shadasia Green later in 2026 and take a break in 2027 to have a child.
DETROIT (Azat TV) – American professional boxer Claressa Shields solidified her status as a pound-for-pound elite, successfully defending her undisputed women’s heavyweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Franchon Crews-Dezurn in a highly anticipated rematch on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. Shields, known as the “GWOAT” (Greatest Woman Of All Time), demonstrated exceptional composure and strategic adjustments to overcome an early onslaught from Crews-Dezurn, ultimately dominating the later rounds to secure her eighteenth professional win.
The fight marked a significant moment for Shields, who faced an aggressive Crews-Dezurn from the opening bell. Crews-Dezurn launched an intense attack in the first couple of rounds, attempting to corner Shields and land heavy blows. However, Shields, an undefeated champion, remained unphased, skillfully countering and maintaining her defensive posture. By the third and fourth rounds, Shields began to seize momentum, landing combinations and forcing Crews-Dezurn onto her back foot, a shift that proved pivotal in the contest, according to reports from USA TODAY Sports and Detroit Free Press.
Shields’ Dominant Performance and Unanimous Decision
As the fight progressed, Claressa Shields’ superior conditioning and technical prowess became increasingly evident. By the sixth and seventh rounds, Crews-Dezurn appeared visibly fatigued, absorbing heavy punches from Shields, who was in full control. Shields continued her aggressive yet calculated approach, delivering a deluge of punches in the sixth round and showcasing her powerful counters in the eighth. Despite Crews-Dezurn’s resilience, the fight was effectively wrapped up by the ninth round, with Shields taking it easy, mostly avoiding last-ditch efforts from her opponent.
All three judges scored the ten-round bout 100-90 in favor of Shields, reflecting her comprehensive dominance after adjusting to Crews-Dezurn’s initial aggression. The victory not only allowed Shields to retain her undisputed heavyweight title but also extended her perfect professional record to 18-0 with 3 KOs. The fight was a rematch of their professional debut in 2016, which Shields also won, setting the stage for her unparalleled career trajectory.
Claressa Shields’ Unrivaled Legacy and Future Plans
Claressa Shields, who has held championship belts in five weight classes, is widely regarded as one of boxing’s most decorated athletes. Her undefeated record and consistent high-level performances underscore her status in the sport. The fight drew a significant crowd of 17,000 enthusiastic fans to Little Caesars Arena, demonstrating the immense support for the Detroit native.
In her post-fight press conference, Shields outlined her immediate future plans. She expressed a desire to fight Shadasia Green later in 2026, even indicating a willingness to drop weight classes to make the bout happen. Beyond that, Shields shared a more personal aspiration: taking a break from boxing in 2027 to have a child. This announcement provides a glimpse into the personal and professional balancing act of a top-tier athlete.
Claressa Shields’ latest victory over Franchon Crews-Dezurn, characterized by her ability to absorb early pressure and systematically dismantle her opponent, reinforces her legacy as a dominant force in women’s boxing. Her strategic career planning, combining high-stakes bouts with personal aspirations, suggests a deliberate approach to cementing her place in history while also prioritizing her life outside the ring.