Claressa Shields and Franchon Crews-Dezurn didn’t just fight… they went to WAR. Claressa Shields defeated Franchón Crews-Dezurn by unanimous decision Sunday night, successfully defending her undisputed heavyweight championship in front of a packed crowd at Little Caesars Arena.
The 10-round bout delivered on its promise of action, as the Flint native remained unbeaten and firmly in control of her division.
Fighting before more than 17,000 fans in Detroit, Shields improved her professional record to 18-0 with three knockouts. All three judges scored the contest 100-90, underscoring her command across every round. Crews-Dezurn, who continues to hold a super middleweight title, fell to 10-3.
The matchup marked a rematch of their 2016 professional debut in Las Vegas, when Shields earned a four-round decision on the undercard of Andre Ward’s light heavyweight title fight against Sergey Kovalev. Nearly a decade later, the stakes were higher and the stage larger, but the outcome remained the same.
Both fighters opened aggressively, exchanging punches at close range as the smaller ring kept them within striking distance. The early rounds featured tight exchanges and clinches, yet Shields’ cleaner work stood out. She established her jab early, planted her feet, and fired compact combinations when openings appeared.
As the fight moved into the middle rounds, Crews-Dezurn’s work rate began to slow. Shields varied her attack, mixing straight shots with hooks and stepping around her opponent after each combination to reset the angle. Crews-Dezurn had moments where she connected, but Shields’ accuracy and punch selection separated her on the scorecards. She managed distance with discipline, avoided extended exchanges along the ropes, and maintained control whenever she found her rhythm.
The final rounds followed a similar pattern. Shields closed exchanges with authority, staying balanced and composed while continuing to land clean shots. After 10 competitive rounds, the two fighters met in the center of the ring and shared a warm embrace.
In her post-fight interview, Shields acknowledged the challenge Crews-Dezurn presented. She said she had to take her time because her opponent hits hard and requires a strategic approach. Shields described it as one of the best fights of her professional career, especially over 10 rounds, adding that she had to stay alert each round.
The victory marked Shields’ second defense of the undisputed heavyweight crown she captured in February 2025 with a unanimous decision win over Danielle Perkins. Looking ahead, Shields said she wants to face Shadasia Green and then pursue a catchweight bout with Mikaela Mayer at 162 or 163 pounds.
With another dominant performance in Detroit, Claressa Shields continues to strengthen her legacy as one of boxing’s most accomplished champions, keeping her undefeated record intact while setting her sights on the next challenge.
