Claressa Shields to Drop Heavyweight for Major Fights

Undisputed champion says she'll return to lower weight classes for the right matchups.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Claressa Shields, the current undisputed heavyweight champion, says she is willing to drop down in weight for major fights, even though she is making more money than ever before competing at heavyweight. Shields will defend her heavyweight title this Sunday, February 22, against Franchón Crews-Dezurn at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, live on DAZN.

Why it matters

Shields' decision to move between weight classes highlights the strategic considerations top fighters must make in balancing earning potential with competitive opportunities. Her willingness to drop down suggests she sees bigger fights and paydays at lower weights, despite her current heavyweight dominance.

The details

Shields, who has never lost a professional fight, has been competing at heavyweight since 2021. She says she is making more money than ever before at the heavier weight class. However, the two-time Olympic gold medalist is willing to drop back down to her previous weight classes for the right matchups, indicating she sees more lucrative and high-profile fights available at lower weights.

  • Shields will defend her undisputed heavyweight title this Sunday, February 22, 2026 in Detroit.
  • Shields has been competing at heavyweight since 2021.

The players

Claressa Shields

A two-time Olympic gold medalist and the current undisputed heavyweight champion, who is willing to drop down in weight for major fights despite her current success at heavyweight.

Franchón Crews-Dezurn

Shields' opponent this Sunday, February 22, 2026 in Detroit for the undisputed heavyweight championship.

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What they’re saying

“I always win my fights by KO or Unanimous Decision. But I've trained really hard, and I believe I can get the KO.”

— Claressa Shields (wn.com)

The takeaway

Shields' willingness to move between weight classes demonstrates the strategic calculations top fighters must make to balance earning potential and competitive opportunities. Her decision suggests she sees bigger fights and paydays available at lower weights, despite her current heavyweight dominance.