Terence Crawford praises Claressa Shields' dominant win over Franchon Crews-Dezurn

The undisputed women's middleweight champion continues to cement her status as the 'baddest woman on earth'

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Claressa Shields defended her undisputed women's middleweight title with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Franchon Crews-Dezurn at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. After the fight, fellow boxing star Terence Crawford praised Shields' performance, calling her the 'greatest woman alive' and saying she can 'pick her fights' and 'do whatever she wants' next.

Why it matters

Claressa Shields is widely considered one of the best female boxers in the world, and her continued dominance at the highest level of the sport cements her status as a pioneering figure in women's boxing. Terence Crawford's high praise for Shields highlights her crossover appeal and influence beyond just the women's boxing landscape.

The details

Shields (18-0, 3 KOs) controlled the fight from start to finish, using her superior speed and technical skills to outclass Crews-Dezurn (10-3, 2 KOs, 1 NC). Despite Crews-Dezurn landing some punches, Shields dictated the tempo and ultimately won via unanimous decision with scores of 100-90 across the board.

  • The fight took place on February 22, 2026 at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
  • Shields and Crews-Dezurn had previously fought in 2016.

The players

Claressa Shields

The undisputed women's middleweight champion, widely considered one of the best female boxers in the world.

Franchon Crews-Dezurn

Shields' opponent, a veteran boxer who was challenging for Shields' undisputed titles.

Terence Crawford

A top professional boxer who praised Shields' performance and status in women's boxing.

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What they’re saying

“She did amazing. Man, what more can I say? She's the greatest woman alive.”

— Terence Crawford (yardbarker.com)

“Whatever she wants to. She's the woman in charge. She's the baddest woman on earth. She can pick her fights; she can do whatever she wants.”

— Terence Crawford (yardbarker.com)

“I felt like I had to take my time. Franchon hits hard, she's tough, and you have to be tricky with her. She was trying to call the upset. She's the heavy-hitting diva, and that's one of the best fights I've been in. I had to watch my ass every round.”

— Claressa Shields (yardbarker.com)

“I wanted to make sure I got her timing, her jab. Franchon has a really good stick. When she puts it out there, the right hand comes after it. But I showcased my skills, body shots. She just wouldn't go. I thought she was getting ready to go in Round 6 or 7. I wasn't punching enough maybe in 8 or 9.”

— Claressa Shields (yardbarker.com)

“I can beat these girls tremendously. I try hard to get the knockout. I love y'all.”

— Claressa Shields (yardbarker.com)

What’s next

Shields mentioned she would 'love to share the ring with Shadasia [Green]' and that a third fight with Franchon Crews-Dezurn is also a possibility, as Crews-Dezurn still holds belts at 168 pounds.

The takeaway

Claressa Shields continues to cement her status as the dominant force in women's boxing, with even elite male fighters like Terence Crawford recognizing her as the 'greatest woman alive.' Her ability to consistently defeat top-level opponents and her willingness to take on all comers makes her a true pioneer for the sport.