Crews-Dezurn Seeks Respect in Shields Rematch

Veteran boxer frustrated by promotional bias ahead of undisputed heavyweight title fight

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Franchon Crews-Dezurn, the WBA and WBC unified super middleweight champion, is feeling disrespected as she prepares to take on Claressa Shields for the undisputed women's heavyweight title this Sunday in Detroit. Crews-Dezurn believes her promoter, Dmitry Salita, who also promotes Shields, has favored the hometown fighter in the promotion of the fight, leaving Crews-Dezurn feeling like an afterthought despite her own decorated career.

Why it matters

This high-stakes rematch between two of the top female boxers of the past decade has major implications for the future of women's boxing. Crews-Dezurn is seeking to finally defeat her long-time rival Shields and cement her own legacy, while Shields looks to solidify her status as the 'Greatest Woman of All Time' with a win on her home turf.

The details

Crews-Dezurn, a 38-year-old Baltimore native, is the current unified super middleweight champion. She has been frustrated by what she perceives as a promotional bias towards Shields, who is the hometown fighter in Detroit. Crews-Dezurn believes Salita Promotions, which represents both fighters, has favored Shields in the lead-up to the fight, failing to properly promote Crews-Dezurn's accomplishments and status as a champion. The two fighters have a long history, dating back to their amateur days when Shields defeated Crews-Dezurn multiple times. Now as professionals, Crews-Dezurn is seeking to finally get the better of her rival and claim the undisputed heavyweight title.

  • Crews-Dezurn and Shields first met as amateurs in 2012, with Shields winning their three bouts.
  • Crews-Dezurn and Shields made their professional debuts in 2016 and have been on a collision course since then.
  • Their highly anticipated rematch is set for this Sunday, February 23, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan.

The players

Franchon Crews-Dezurn

A 38-year-old boxer from Baltimore, Maryland, who is the current WBA and WBC unified super middleweight champion. She has been a professional since 2016 and is seeking to finally defeat her long-time rival Claressa Shields.

Claressa Shields

A 30-year-old boxer from Flint, Michigan, who is considered the 'Greatest Woman of All Time' in the sport. She is the hometown favorite for this undisputed heavyweight title fight against Crews-Dezurn.

Dmitry Salita

The promoter who represents both Franchon Crews-Dezurn and Claressa Shields through his company Salita Promotions.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're just in different lanes. I don't have a chip on my shoulder at all. She is her, and I am me. I guess I am more disappointed in the promotion of the fight as a whole. Baby, I ain't no fill-in — not just another opponent for Claressa. I am a former undisputed super middleweight champion and the current unified one, so I am not sure things should be as biased towards her.”

— Franchon Crews-Dezurn, Boxer (Uncrowned)

“I'm one of Salita's premier fighters. One of the only champions on the roster, so it's just a bit strange how I have been kept at arms length from some of the promotional stuff. I ask myself: What am I here for? They will happily post fight posters and not even tag me in it. Why would you not want to utilize an established champion's name? I ain't no journeyman, no stepping stone or no tune-up. This is all being done just to get in my head.”

— Franchon Crews-Dezurn, Boxer (Uncrowned)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.