The spotlight shone bright on Detroit as Claressa Shields and Franchon Crews-Dezurn reignited their storied rivalry inside Little Caesars Arena on February 22, 2026. Nearly a decade after their first professional clash, the two boxing icons met again, this time with the undisputed heavyweight championship on the line—and what a night it turned out to be for fight fans and the city alike.
Ten years ago, Shields and Crews-Dezurn faced off in what would become a pivotal bout for both women, launching their professional careers. Shields, hailing from Michigan, bested Crews-Dezurn of Virginia Beach by unanimous decision in that first encounter. Fast forward to 2026, and the stakes could not have been higher: Shields entered the ring undefeated with a pristine 17-0-0 record, defending her IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO titles. Crews-Dezurn, with a record of 10-2-0, was determined to flip the script and claim the crown for herself.
Fans began filing into Little Caesars Arena as doors opened at 4 p.m. ET, their anticipation nearly palpable. The undercard kicked off at 4:30 p.m., streamed live on Zeus Network, while the main card was broadcast globally on DAZN starting at 8 p.m. ET. For those watching from home, DAZN offered access to the event through its standard subscription or the new Ultimate Tier, which included a minimum of 12 pay-per-view events per year alongside more than 185 fight nights—a tempting offer for any boxing enthusiast.
By the time Shields and Crews-Dezurn made their ringwalks around 11 p.m. ET, the arena was electric. The crowd’s roar echoed throughout the venue as both fighters, clad in their signature gear, entered with steely determination. Shields, always one to make a statement, sported custom shoes and socks emblazoned with her G.W.O.A.T. (Greatest Woman of All Time) logo, a nod to her reputation and confidence in the squared circle.
Oddsmakers had made their predictions clear ahead of the bout: Shields was a commanding favorite with a -2,400 moneyline, while Crews-Dezurn was cast as the underdog at +1,140. Yet, as any seasoned fan knows, anything can happen once the bell rings—and with the heavyweight championship at stake, both women were prepared to leave it all in the ring.
The main event was just one highlight in a stacked card that also featured a light heavyweight clash between Atif Oberlton and Joseph George, a women’s light heavyweight WBA title fight as Che Kenneally squared off against Danielle Perkins, and a heavyweight battle between Pryce Taylor and James Evans. The earlier portion of the card, now streamed for fans on Zeus Network, offered even more action for those eager to soak in every punch and jab.
As the bell rang for round one, Shields immediately set the tone with her trademark aggression and ring generalship. Crews-Dezurn, undeterred by the odds, responded with grit and determination, showcasing the evolution of her craft since their first meeting. The two exchanged flurries, each round a tactical battle of power and precision. Shields’ footwork and defensive prowess were on full display, while Crews-Dezurn pressed forward, looking to land the decisive blow that could alter the course of the fight—and her career.
Throughout the bout, the energy in Little Caesars Arena never waned. Fans, many of whom remembered the pair’s original 2016 duel, cheered every exchange. The significance of the moment was not lost on anyone present: this was more than a rematch; it was a celebration of women’s boxing, a testament to the growth of the sport and the athletes who have propelled it to new heights.
Shields, drawing inspiration from her February 2025 victory over Danielle Perkins, maintained her composure and discipline. Her jab found its mark consistently, and her ability to slip punches made it difficult for Crews-Dezurn to mount sustained offense. Yet, Crews-Dezurn’s resilience was undeniable—she absorbed shots, fired back with combinations, and refused to yield an inch.
As the rounds progressed, Shields’ dominance became increasingly apparent. Her command of distance, tactical acumen, and relentless pace wore down her challenger. By the final bell, both women had given their all, but it was Shields who raised her gloves in triumph, her undefeated record and status as undisputed heavyweight champion intact.
According to event coverage and photographic evidence, Shields was greeted by a wave of supporters and fans as she left the ring, her championship belts gleaming under the arena lights. The victory not only cemented her place atop the women’s heavyweight division but also reinforced her claim to the G.W.O.A.T. moniker—a title she has worked tirelessly to earn and defend.
The night wasn’t without its dramatic moments outside the main event. In the light heavyweight title fight, Atif Oberlton and Joseph George Jr. delivered a bout filled with intensity, though it ended abruptly when George Jr. fell unconscious after the first round and had to be taken out of the ring on a stretcher. The arena fell silent as medical personnel attended to him, a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in the sport. Thankfully, reports indicated that George Jr. was responsive and receiving care after the incident.
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield even joined in the festivities, climbing out of the ring after participating in the event’s celebrations—a testament to the city’s embrace of the spectacle and its athletes.
For Shields, this victory was more than just another notch in her undefeated record. It was a homecoming, a chance to perform in front of her Michigan faithful, and a statement to the boxing world that her reign atop the heavyweight division is far from over. With DAZN’s Ultimate Tier offering fans more access than ever to global boxing, Shields’ star power is poised to grow even further as she eyes more challenges in the year ahead.
As the crowd filtered out of Little Caesars Arena, the sense of history lingered in the air. Shields and Crews-Dezurn had delivered a battle worthy of their shared legacy—a fight that will be remembered not just for its stakes, but for the passion, skill, and indomitable spirit both women brought to the ring. For now, Claressa Shields stands alone at the summit of women’s heavyweight boxing, her place in the sport’s lore secure, and her journey far from finished.