Flint Native Improves to 18-0 After Hard Fought Rematch With Rival Franchon Crews-Dezurn
Claressa Shields and Franchon Crews-Dezurn promised fireworks heading into their long awaited rematch. Sunday night in Detroit, they delivered.
In front of more than 17,000 fans at Little Caesars Arena, Shields defended her undisputed heavyweight championship with a unanimous decision victory over her longtime rival. All three judges scored the 10-round bout 100-90 in favor of the Flint native, improving her undefeated record to 18-0.
But the wide scorecards did not fully reflect the intensity inside the ring.
A Rivalry Nearly a Decade in the Making
“I felt like I had to take my time,” Shields said afterward. “Franchon hits hard, and she’s tough, and you got to be very tricky with her. She was trying to cause the upset today and got me with some shots.”
The matchup marked a full circle moment for two fighters whose careers have long been intertwined. Shields and Crews-Dezurn first met as amateurs before facing off in their professional debuts in 2016 in Las Vegas, when Shields earned a decision win. Nearly a decade later, both women entered the rematch as champions who have helped elevate women’s boxing into a global spectacle.
From the opening bell, Crews-Dezurn, known as “The Heavy Hitting Diva,” pressed forward with aggressive combinations and heavy shots that briefly shifted momentum in the first two rounds. Shields was forced to adjust early as the challenger looked determined to engineer an upset.
Shields’ Experience and Ring IQ Take Control
By the middle rounds, however, Shields’ experience began to show. Leaning on timing and precision, the two time Olympic gold medalist established control behind a sharp jab that slowed Crews-Dezurn’s offense. By round five, Shields’ rhythm and ring IQ created clear separation as she consistently beat her opponent to exchanges and dictated the pace.
Even in victory, Shields acknowledged how competitive the fight felt.
“I haven’t seen a fight that exciting in women’s boxing in a very long time, and I haven’t been in one where a girl could rumble like that,” she said. “I know the scorecards was 90 to 100, but I think she got me two rounds. I just don’t know which two.”
The bout left visible marks, including a stitch on Shields’ face, evidence of the battle fans witnessed over 10 hard rounds. After the final bell, the rivals embraced at center ring, underscoring the mutual respect built over years of competition.
Crews-Dezurn, who fell to 10 and 3 but still holds a super middleweight title, praised Shields after the fight.
“She inspires me,” Crews-Dezurn said. “She came in at a time where I was dominant and shook the table up. When I’m seeing her, I’m like, ‘OK, that’s a point I could get to.’ It’s never a jealousy thing. I’m proud of her.”
What Comes Next for the Undisputed Champion
The night carried hometown energy for Shields, who entered the arena alongside rapper Lil Boosie performing “Set It Off.” A star studded crowd that included Terence Crawford, Tee Grizzley, Mike Epps and Michael Blackson watched ringside.
Sunday’s victory marked the second defense of Shields’ undisputed heavyweight crown, which she captured in February 2025 with a unanimous decision win over Danielle Perkins. Despite another dominant showing, Shields already has her eyes on what comes next, naming Shadasia Green as a potential future opponent and mentioning a possible catchweight bout against Mikaela Mayer.
Beyond boxing, Shields hinted that her timeline in the ring may shift in the coming years.
“In 2027, I think I want to take some time off and have my own kids,” she said while holding her niece during the postfight press conference.
For an athlete who has spent her career chasing history, the comment offered a glimpse into what legacy may look like beyond championship belts, building a life she has fought just as hard to earn.
