Shields defeats Crews-Dezurn with 100-90 unanimous decision
Fight was a rematch dating back to their professional debuts in 2016
Shields maintains her 18-0 record and undisputed heavyweight title
Pre-fight tensions were high between the fighters
📖 Full Retelling
Claressa Shields dominated Franchon Crews-Dezurn with a lopsided unanimous decision on Sunday night in Detroit, successfully defending her undisputed heavyweight championship in a rematch that brought together two fighters with a decade-long history. The judges scored the fight identically at 100-90 across all three cards, with Shields improving to an impressive 18-0 record while Crews-Dezurn dropped to 10-3. Despite the one-sided result, Shields acknowledged the difficulty of the bout afterward, stating 'That's one of the toughest fights I've been in during my pro career. She hits hard these days.' The fight marked a significant moment as the first in Shields' new £5.9m multi-fight deal and took place at the home arena of the Detroit Red Wings and Pistons, drawing a strong crowd. Tensions had been high throughout the build-up, with a heated face-off and a clash between their teams at the pre-fight weigh-in, though the fighters ultimately shared an embrace after the final bell.
Claressa Maria Shields (born March 17, 1995) is an American professional boxer and former professional mixed martial artist. She has held 18 major world championships spanning five weight classes, including the undisputed female light middleweight title in March 2021; the undisputed female middlewei...
Claressa Shields' dominant victory solidifies her status as the undisputed heavyweight champion and a trailblazer in women's boxing. The successful defense marks the start of her lucrative new multi-fight deal, signaling her continued marketability and the sport's growth. This high-profile win in her hometown also reinforces her position as a major draw in the boxing world.
Context & Background
This was a rematch of their professional debut fight in 2016, which Shields also won
Tensions were high leading up to the fight, including a heated face-off and a clash between their teams at the weigh-in
Franchon Crews-Dezurn was evaluated for knee and ankle issues on fight day but was cleared to compete
Shields is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and the first undisputed heavyweight champion in women's boxing
What Happens Next
Shields will likely continue her title defense campaign under her new multi-fight deal, with potential bouts against other top contenders in the division. The strong crowd turnout in Detroit supports the viability of future major fights in the market. The co-main event fighter Joseph George will require medical follow-up after his collapse in the ring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the fight?
Claressa Shields won by a unanimous decision with identical 100-90 scores on all three judges' cards.
Was this a rematch?
Yes, this was a rematch of their first professional fight in 2016, which Shields also won by unanimous decision.
What title was on the line?
The undisputed women's heavyweight championship, encompassing the WBC, WBO, WBA, and IBF belts.
What happened in the co-main event?
The light-heavyweight fight ended after one round when Joseph George collapsed in his corner and required medical attention.
Original Source
Claressa Shields dominates Franchon Crews-Dezurn again in Detroit to remain undisputed heavyweight champion Claressa Shields dominates Franchon Crews-Dezurn with a 100–90 unanimous decision to defend her undisputed heavyweight title in Detroit; fighters embraced after fraught build-up; Shields says fight "one of the toughest i've been in" Monday 23 February 2026 06:34, UK Claressa Shields dominated Franchon Crews-Dezurn with a lopsided unanimous decision on Sunday night in Detroit, successfully defending her undisputed heavyweight championship. Fighting in front of a home crowd, Shields improved to 18‑0, earning identical 100-90 scores on all three cards, while super‑middleweight titleholder Crews-Dezurn fell to 10‑3. "I had to take my time tonight," Shields said afterward. "That's one of the toughest fights I've been in during my pro career. She hits hard these days." Buy tickets for Caroline Dubois vs Terri Harper Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW The bout was a rematch of their professional debuts on November 19, 2016, when Shields also won by unanimous decision. Tensions between the fighters remained high, spilling over into a heated face off and a clash between their teams at the pre-fight weigh-in. Crews-Dezurn was evaluated by a doctor Sunday morning for knee and ankle issues but was cleared to compete. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Claressa Shields pushes Franchon Crews-Dezurn during their final head-to-head at the weigh-in ahead of their heavyweight clash. Credit: DAZN Both fighters came out aggressively in the opening round, but Shields quickly asserted control with superior hand speed. After the final bell, the pair exchanged words before ultimately sharing an embrace. Also See: Listen to the Toe2Toe podcast every week The best boxing highlights and videos Shields, a trailblazing two-time Olympic gold medallist, became the first undisputed heavyweight champion in women's boxing when she moved up f...
