Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena was electric on Sunday night, February 22, 2026, as Claressa Shields once again proved why she’s widely regarded as the GWOAT—the Greatest Woman of All Time—in boxing. Shields, fighting in front of a raucous home crowd of 17,000 fans, delivered a dominant performance to defeat Franchon Crews-Dezurn by unanimous decision, defending her undisputed women’s heavyweight championship and moving her professional record to a pristine 18-0.
This wasn’t just another fight; it was a rematch nearly a decade in the making. The two first met in 2016, both making their professional debuts, with Shields coming out on top then as well. But this time, the stakes were much higher and the emotions running even hotter. Just 24 hours before the opening bell, the weigh-in erupted into chaos after Crews-Dezurn fell into a table during a scuffle, apparently injuring her knee and ankle. There was real doubt whether the challenger would be able to compete, but after a Sunday morning evaluation by doctors, Crews-Dezurn was cleared to fight.
As the fighters entered the ring, the atmosphere was palpable. Detroit mayor Mary Sheffield even stepped into the ring to greet the crowd, setting the stage for a night of high-stakes action. Shields, signed to a lucrative $8 million multi-fight deal just last month, walked out to thunderous applause, ready to defend her crown in her hometown.
The opening round was a flurry of activity, both fighters coming out swinging with intent. Crews-Dezurn, perhaps eager to capitalize on her early aggression, pressed Shields into the corner and landed a couple of shots near the back of Shields’ head, drawing a warning from the referee. Shields, ever the composed champion, responded with sharp combinations and quick footwork, signaling that she was ready for whatever her opponent brought to the table.
“I had to take my time tonight,” Shields admitted after the fight. “That’s one of the toughest fights I’ve been in during my pro career. She hits hard these days.” According to the official scorecards, Shields’ patience and precision paid off handsomely—she swept all ten rounds on every judge’s card, winning 100-90 across the board. Crews-Dezurn, whose record dropped to 10-3, showed tremendous grit by staying in the fight, but Shields’ superior hand speed and ring IQ were evident from the third round onward.
Crews-Dezurn’s early flurries began to fade as Shields took command in the middle rounds. By the sixth, Shields unleashed a barrage of punches that left Crews-Dezurn unable to mount much of a response. Even as Crews-Dezurn tried to rally in the later rounds, Shields remained in control, countering effectively and landing clean shots that left little doubt as to who was the better fighter on the night.
Despite the heated build-up and the physicality in the ring, there was a show of sportsmanship at the final bell. The two fighters shared a lengthy face-to-face conversation and embraced, putting to rest any lingering animosity from the previous day’s weigh-in brawl. Shields, ever gracious in victory, praised her opponent, calling Crews-Dezurn “one of my best friends” and offering her “a lot of love.”
For Shields, the victory was more than just another notch in her belt. It was the first fight of her new multi-fight contract and a testament to her enduring dominance in the sport. She’s now the only woman to hold championship belts in five weight classes—a feat unmatched in women’s boxing. When asked about her future plans, Shields was clear: she wants to fight Shadasia Green later in 2026 before taking a break in 2027 to start a family. “I want Shadasia Green next,” she said, even expressing willingness to drop down in weight to make the fight happen.
The event wasn’t without its drama outside the main event. In the co-main event, light heavyweight Joseph George collapsed in his corner after the first round against Atif Oberlton. Medical staff responded quickly, and George, though initially unconscious, was able to leave the ring under his own power and was later reported in stable condition at a local hospital. Oberlton, who improved to 14-0, offered his respect and even proposed a rematch, saying, “I’m just happy that he’s okay.”
The undercard was packed with action and upsets. American light-heavyweight Danielle Perkins stunned the crowd by knocking out Australian Che Kenneally in the sixth round to claim the WBA light-heavyweight title. Perkins, who had previously faced Shields in 2025, landed a decisive hook that drew blood and forced the referee to stop the contest. The two champions shared a celebratory hug backstage, a reminder of the camaraderie that can exist even in such a brutal sport.
Other notable bouts included Pryce Taylor’s dominant win over James Evans, which ended in the fifth round after Evans took a knee under heavy fire. Flint heavyweight Sardius Simmons cruised to a four-round victory over Dylan Potter, while Argentinian Edith Soledad Matthysse pulled off an upset TKO over Samantha Worthington in the ninth. Lance Smith, Jasmine Hampton, Savannah Tini, Jaquan McElroy, and Shannel Butler all notched impressive wins in their respective divisions, rounding out a night that showcased the depth of talent in women’s and men’s boxing alike.
For fans in Detroit and those watching on DAZN, this was more than just a boxing card—it was a celebration of the city’s fighting spirit and a showcase for some of the best talent in the sport today. Shields’ star power was on full display, from her walkout to her post-fight dance with friends in her corner. The crowd, one of the largest ever for a Shields fight at Little Caesars Arena, made their appreciation known, roaring their approval as the judges’ scores were read aloud.
As the dust settles on Detroit’s biggest fight night of the year, Claressa Shields stands tall as the undisputed heavyweight champion, her legacy only growing with each victory. With her eyes set on new challenges and the support of an entire city behind her, Shields continues to redefine what’s possible in women’s boxing. The anticipation for her next move is already building, but for now, Detroit can bask in the glow of another unforgettable night at Little Caesars Arena.