Claressa Shields and Franchon Crews-Dezurn Set for Heavyweight Title Rematch

The two-time Olympic gold medalist and former undisputed super middleweight champion will clash in a highly anticipated Detroit homecoming.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

On Sunday, February 22, 2026, two-time Olympic gold medalist and undisputed women's heavyweight champion Claressa Shields will defend her IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO titles in a rematch against former undisputed super middleweight champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. The pair first met in their professional debuts in 2016, with Shields earning a unanimous decision victory. Now, ten years later, the rivalry comes full circle in a clash of pound-for-pound elites at heavyweight.

Why it matters

Shields, widely regarded as the greatest woman boxer of all time ('GWOAT'), is coming off a dominant win and recently signed a historic four-fight deal. Fighting in Detroit, where her last outing sold out the same arena, adds extra motivation. Crews-Dezurn, the 'Heavy-Hitting Diva,' brings serious power and experience from her reign at 168 pounds and enters as a dangerous underdog with nothing to lose.

The details

Shields (17-0, 3 KOs) and Crews-Dezurn (10-2, 2 KOs) will meet in a 10-round bout for the undisputed women's heavyweight championship. The fight is part of a star-studded card that also features light heavyweight, women's light heavyweight, and heavyweight bouts.

  • Shields and Crews-Dezurn first met in their professional debuts on November 19, 2016, with Shields earning a four-round unanimous decision victory.
  • The rematch will take place on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan.

The players

Claressa Shields

A two-time Olympic gold medalist and the undisputed women's heavyweight champion, widely regarded as the greatest woman boxer of all time ('GWOAT').

Franchon Crews-Dezurn

The former undisputed super middleweight champion, known as the 'Heavy-Hitting Diva,' who has moved up in weight and enters the rematch as a dangerous underdog.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I don't have the same plans as last time. This one ends differently.”

— Claressa Shields (Promotional event)

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.