Claressa Shields and Franchón Crews-Dezurn’s weigh-in took a dramatic turn when a heated exchange led to a shove, a headbutt allegation, and Papoose stepping in to protect his partner. The viral moment, captured on video, has added another layer of intensity ahead of the highly anticipated fight.
During Saturday’s official weigh-in, tensions escalated quickly between Shields and Crews-Dezurn. Video circulating online shows Shields forcefully shoving her opponent after what was described as an attempted headbutt. The confrontation drew immediate attention as security and members of both entourages rushed in to separate the fighters.
Amid the chaos, Papoose, Shields’ boyfriend, moved toward the scene. Eyewitness accounts and footage show him advancing during the altercation before others stepped in to hold him back. He appeared focused on de-escalating the situation and ensuring Shields’ safety as tempers flared onstage.
Shields later addressed the incident directly on X, pushing back against online criticism and offering her version of events. “Who tf head butts someone at weigh in!!!! Damn right she got pushed! She’s trying to throw the fight!!!! Cause she scared!!!!!” she wrote, making it clear she believed the contact was intentional.
The weigh-in clash is not the first time Papoose has publicly defended Shields. In October 2025, he made headlines after confronting comedian Gerald Huston, who repeatedly referred to Shields as Serena Williams in what was described as a disrespectful manner. The encounter reportedly escalated, with Papoose allegedly throwing a punch. Shields later spoke about the moment with pride, saying, “My man, my man, my man.”
As Claressa Shields prepares to face Franchón Crews-Dezurn in the ring, the weigh-in scuffle has only heightened anticipation around the matchup. What began as a standard pre-fight faceoff has now become part of the narrative surrounding two of boxing’s most competitive figures, setting the stage for an already charged bout.
