Event Preview:
The rematch between Claressa Shields and Franchon Crews-Dezurn headlines a Salita Promotions card, pitting the undisputed women’s heavyweight champion against a unified super middleweight titleholder stepping up in weight. This 10-round bout revives a rivalry that began in their 2016 pro debuts, with Shields aiming to defend her crowns (WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO) while Crews-Dezurn seeks revenge and a heavyweight upset. Shields, dubbed “The GWOAT,” returns to her Michigan roots for what could be a legacy-defining performance. Below is a detailed breakdown based on the latest available information.
Venue Location
The event takes place at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, USA. This 20,000-capacity multi-purpose venue, home to the NBA’s Detroit Pistons and NHL’s Detroit Red Wings, has hosted Shields’ fights multiple times, including sellouts. Its central location in downtown Detroit enhances accessibility for local fans, and the arena is expected to draw over 15,000 attendees, creating a pro-Shields atmosphere.
Doors open at 4:00 PM ET (1:00 PM PT / 9:00 PM GMT). The undercard begins around 4:30 PM ET, with the main card broadcast starting at 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PT / 1:00 AM GMT on Monday). Ring walks for the main event are expected approximately at 11:00 PM ET (8:00 PM PT / 4:00 AM GMT on Monday), though timings may adjust based on earlier fights. The event streams live worldwide on DAZN.
Injury Report
No major injuries have been reported for either fighter as of fight week. Claressa Shields has publicly stated she dealt with undisclosed injuries in her last few bouts but is now “100 percent” healthy, training under John David Jackson in Florida without setbacks. Franchon Crews-Dezurn has no mentioned issues, having stayed active and appearing in good form during recent sparring sessions and press events. Both passed pre-fight medicals, with no last-minute concerns anticipated.
Fighter Matchups
This heavyweight title clash features Shields’ technical mastery and championship experience against Crews-Dezurn’s power and resilience as she moves up from super middleweight. Shields, a 5’8″ orthodox fighter from Flint, Michigan (age 30, reach 68″), holds a 100% win rate and is defending her undisputed heavyweight titles. She’s trained by John David Jackson and known for precise counterpunching, durability, and ring IQ.
Crews-Dezurn, a 5’8″ orthodox from Baltimore, Maryland (age 38, reach TBD), is a former undisputed super middleweight champ with a fan-friendly aggressive style, volume punching, and toughness. This rematch stems from their 2016 debut (Shields UD4), now at heavyweight where Shields’ size and speed could dominate, but Crews-Dezurn’s heart might force a war. Scheduled for 10 rounds (women’s title fights).
| Fighter | Record | Age | Height/Reach | Stance | Key Strengths | Key Weaknesses |
| Claressa Shields | 17-0-0 (3 KOs) | 30 | 5’8″ / 68″ | Orthodox | Elite defense, counterpunching, championship experience across weights | Low KO rate, occasional inactivity |
| Franchon Crews-Dezurn | 10-2-0 (2 KOs) | 38 | 5’8″ / TBD | Orthodox | Aggressive pressure, durability, volume punching | Age/wear, vulnerable to technical boxers, stepping up in weight |
Recent Form
- Claressa Shields: Shields is 3-0 in her last three, all at heavyweight. Her most recent win was a UD10 over Lani Daniels on July 26, 2025, retaining undisputed status. Prior: UD10 over Danielle Perkins (Feb 2025) and a dominant performance in 2024. She’s shown improved power but relies on decisions (only 3 KOs career). Entering on a 17-fight win streak, Shields predicts a KO here.
- Franchon Crews-Dezurn: Crews-Dezurn is 2-1 in her last three, with a win over Citlalli Ortiz (June 2025) to retain her WBC super middleweight belt. No fights in 2024 after a MD10 loss to Savannah Marshall (2023, lost undisputed). Earlier: Win over Ortiz in 2023. At 38, she’s durable but has been outclassed by elites; this is her heavyweight debut.
Fight History
Shields turned pro in November 2016, debuting against Crews-Dezurn in a UD4 win. A two-time Olympic gold medalist (2012, 2016), she’s become a four-division world champion (junior middle, middle, super middle, heavyweight), achieving undisputed status in three weights. Career highlights: Wins over Savannah Marshall (2022 UD10) and Marie-Eve Dicaire (2021 UD10).
Crews-Dezurn also debuted in 2016 vs. Shields. She became undisputed super middleweight champ in 2018-2019, with wins over Elin Cederroos and Maricela Cornejo. Losses to Alejandra Jimenez (2020) and Marshall (2023). The rivalry includes heated sparring and pressers, with X buzz highlighting bad blood and Shields’ dominance claims.
Betting Trends
The line opened with Shields at -2000 and has moved to -2500, reflecting sharp money on the champion. Public betting is overwhelmingly on Shields (85-95% of handle), with underdog value seekers nibbling at Crews-Dezurn +900+. Historical trends: 80% of Shields’ fights go the distance (low KO rate), while Crews-Dezurn’s often do too (70% over). Over 9.5 rounds is popular at -200, but Shields’ KO prediction has drawn action on unders. Overall, implied win probability for Shields is 91%, with minimal line movement expected.
FIGHT ODDS
Claressa Shields – 2000
Franchon Crews Dezurn + 900
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, February 21, 2026
