Claressa Shields Defends Heavyweight Titles Against Franchon Crews-Dezurn in Highly Anticipated Rematch

The two boxing stars clash again after a decade, with Shields looking to solidify her status as the GWOAT and Crews-Dezurn seeking redemption.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:40am

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A dynamic, abstract painting in neon colors depicting the intense physical clash between two female boxers, their faces and forms blurred into a frenetic display of athletic energy and raw power.Two powerhouse women boxers collide in a high-stakes rematch, their explosive movements and fierce determination captured in a vibrant expressionist painting.Today in Detroit

Claressa Shields, the undisputed women's heavyweight champion, is set to defend her titles against Franchon Crews-Dezurn in a highly anticipated rematch at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. The two fighters first met in 2016 when Shields turned pro, and now, a decade later, Crews-Dezurn is moving up in weight to challenge the woman many consider the Greatest Woman of All Time (GWOAT) in boxing.

Why it matters

This fight represents a clash between two of the most dominant women's boxers of the past decade. Shields has built an unparalleled career as a multi-weight world champion, while Crews-Dezurn has carved out her own path as a long-reigning super-middleweight champion. The outcome could further cement Shields' legacy or provide Crews-Dezurn with a career-defining victory.

The details

Shields (30-0, 12 KOs) is the reigning and undisputed women's heavyweight champion, holding the IBF, WBC, WBF, and WBO titles. She first faced Crews-Dezurn (10-2, 2 KOs) in her professional debut in 2016, winning a unanimous decision. Now, Crews-Dezurn is moving up in weight to challenge Shields, seeking to avenge her earlier loss and potentially dethrone the GWOAT.

  • The main card kicks off at 1 a.m. GMT on Monday, February 23 (8 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 22).
  • The ring walks for Shields vs. Crews-Dezurn are expected around 4 a.m. GMT (11 p.m. ET).

The players

Claressa Shields

The undisputed women's heavyweight champion, widely regarded as the Greatest Woman of All Time (GWOAT) in boxing.

Franchon Crews-Dezurn

A former super-middleweight champion who is moving up in weight to challenge Shields, seeking to avenge her earlier loss to the GWOAT.

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What’s next

The outcome of this fight could further cement Shields' legacy as the GWOAT or provide Crews-Dezurn with a career-defining victory.

The takeaway

This highly anticipated rematch between two of the most dominant women's boxers of the past decade promises to be a true test of skill, strategy, and resilience, with the potential to solidify Shields' status as the GWOAT or provide Crews-Dezurn with a career-defining upset.