Claressa Shields beats Franchon Crews-Dezurn in unanimous decision - ESPN

ESPN

by Eric Woodyard

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Claressa Shields successfully defended her undisputed heavyweight title by defeating longtime rival Franchon Crews-Dezurn in a highly anticipated rematch at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. The fight, scored 100-90 by all three judges over 10 rounds, solidified Shields' dominance as she improved to an impressive 18-0 record with three knockouts. Despite Crews-Dezurn's tough performance and her reputation as "The Heavy Hitting Diva," Shields outwitted her opponent with precise jabs and strategic timing, especially in the later rounds. The victory marked Shields' second defense of her heavyweight crown since winning it in February 2025. The bout was a rematch of their 2016 pro debut, where Shields also emerged victorious. Both fighters, once close friends and amateur rivals, put aside their personal connection to deliver an action-packed spectacle in front of over 17,000 fans. The event featured a star-studded audience, including boxing champion Terence Crawford and rapper Lil Boosie, who joined Shields for her ring walk. Despite the intense competition, Shields and Crews-Dezurn shared a warm embrace post-fight, showcasing their mutual respect. Shields acknowledged the challenge of facing Crews-Dezurn, who delivered some strong shots during the fight. However, Shields' ability to adapt her strategy allowed her to pull ahead on the scorecards. She expressed satisfaction with the fight's excitement and intensity, calling it one of the most thrilling in her professional career. Crews-Dezurn, despite the loss, remained gracious, praising Shields as an inspiration and acknowledging the fierce competition. The fight was a significant moment for women's boxing, highlighting the skill and determination of both fighters. Shields' post-fight plans include targeting Shadasia Green next, followed by potential bouts at catchweight against Mikaela Mayer

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/23/2026