Detroit, MI – Despite a heated altercation at Friday’s weigh-in, the undisputed heavyweight championship bout between Claressa Shields and Franchon Crews-Dezurn is still scheduled to seize place Sunday night at Little Caesars Arena. The incident, which involved a brawl breaking out between members of both teams, briefly cast doubt on whether the fight would proceed, but both fighters have been cleared to compete.
The highly anticipated rematch pits Shields, a Flint, Michigan native and undisputed champion, against Crews-Dezurn in a contest brimming with intensity. Promoter Dmitry Salita emphasized the high stakes and emotional investment surrounding the fight, stating, “We’re looking forward to an incredible night in front of a sold-out crowd in Detroit.” He added, “When you have two champions who are fully prepared, confident, and determined to win, emotions can naturally run high. That’s what we saw and it simply reflects the intensity surrounding one of the biggest rematches in women’s boxing.”
The animosity between Shields and Crews-Dezurn extends beyond the professional ring. The two fighters first met in the amateur ranks and again in 2016, marking both of their professional debuts. Shields acknowledged the familiarity, telling Sky Sports, “I know she’s going to come, she’s going to bring it, she’s more familiar with me than anybody else.”
Shields, currently considered the dominant force in women’s boxing, described the challenges Crews-Dezurn presents. “You know that when you fight against Franchon, you’re going to get bumps, you’re going to get bruises. You may get thrown on the ground. Franchon is a rough and rugged fighter and she’s very experienced,” Shields said. Despite acknowledging her opponent’s toughness, Shields remains supremely confident in her abilities. “I’m the cream of the crop. I haven’t had any close fights so I can’t say how this fight will be. If I am too solid for my own good, I’m only going to get better. So there’s nothing I can do about that. I like winning unanimously. I like knocking girls out. I like dominating. I believe it looks great on my resume. I don’t like having close fights.”
Image: Claressa Shields and Dmitry Salita (pic courtesy of Salita promotions/Stephanie Tapp)
This contest marks a significant moment in women’s boxing, drawing attention not only for the championship title at stake but also for the compelling narrative between the two fighters. The rivalry, stemming from their shared history, has clearly escalated leading up to Sunday’s bout. Fans can also gaze forward to another compelling matchup on the card: Caroline Dubois vs. Terri Harper, which will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The outcome of Sunday’s fight will undoubtedly shape the landscape of women’s heavyweight boxing. Shields aims to continue her undefeated streak and solidify her position as the division’s undisputed queen, while Crews-Dezurn seeks to avenge her previous loss and claim the championship for herself. The intensity of the pre-fight events suggests a thrilling and competitive showdown is on the horizon.
Following this weekend’s action, attention will turn to the potential future opponents for both Shields and Crews-Dezurn, as well as the continued growth and development of women’s boxing as a whole. The sport continues to gain momentum, and this event is poised to further elevate its profile.
What are your predictions for the Shields vs. Crews-Dezurn rematch? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
