On a brisk Sunday night in Detroit, the eyes of the boxing world turned to Little Caesars Arena, where Claressa Shields once again etched her name into the annals of the sport. February 22, 2026, marked a decade since Shields and Franchon Crews-Dezurn first met in the ring, a bout that launched both of their professional careers. Fast forward ten years, and the stakes couldn’t have been higher: the undisputed heavyweight world championship was on the line, drawing thousands of fans and a global audience via DAZN’s premium livestream.
The anticipation was palpable as doors opened at 4 p.m. ET. Fans streamed into the arena, buzzing with excitement for a fight card that promised fireworks from start to finish. The earlier portion of the card, originally slated as non-televised, was made available on Zeus Network, ensuring that die-hard fans wouldn’t miss a single punch. The main broadcast kicked off at 8 p.m. ET, with the ringwalk for Shields and Crews-Dezurn expected around 11 p.m. ET. For those unable to attend in person, DAZN offered a variety of subscription options, starting at $20.99 per month and extending to an “Ultimate Tier” at $44.99, which included access to this and 11 other pay-per-view events throughout the year.
Little Caesars Arena was electric, the crowd’s energy matching the gravity of the occasion. Shields, entering the bout with a perfect 17-0-0 record, was the overwhelming favorite. Oddsmakers gave her a staggering -2400 moneyline, while Crews-Dezurn, sporting a 10-2-0 record, was cast as the +1140 underdog. But if history has taught boxing fans anything, it’s that nothing is set in stone until the final bell rings.
The main event was supported by an enticing undercard. Atif Oberlton squared off against Joseph George in a light heavyweight clash, while Che Kenneally defended her WBA women’s light heavyweight title against Danielle Perkins. Heavyweights Pryce Taylor and James Evans also did battle, delivering hard-hitting action that had the crowd roaring. The diversity and depth of the card underscored DAZN’s commitment to bringing world-class boxing to a global audience, with over 100 live fights available to subscribers throughout the year.
As the main event approached, the atmosphere reached a fever pitch. Shields and Crews-Dezurn, both veterans of the sport and pioneers for women’s boxing, posed for photos at the pre-fight press conference, championship belts gleaming under the arena lights. The significance of the rematch was not lost on anyone. Their first meeting in 2016 had been a launching pad; now, ten years later, it was a celebration of their resilience, skill, and unyielding drive.
The fight itself was a showcase of technical brilliance and sheer willpower. Shields, known for her lightning-fast combinations and defensive prowess, wore custom shoes and socks emblazoned with her G.W.O.A.T. (Greatest Woman of All Time) logo—a nod to her status and confidence. Crews-Dezurn, undaunted by the odds, brought her trademark aggression and heart, determined to shake up the boxing world.
Round after round, the two fighters traded blows, each refusing to give an inch. Shields’ footwork was as sharp as ever, allowing her to control the pace and land crisp jabs from the outside. Crews-Dezurn pressed forward, looking to close the distance and land power shots. The crowd hung on every exchange, erupting as Shields slipped punches and countered with precision.
By the middle rounds, Shields’ experience and ring IQ began to tell. She picked her spots, landing combinations that forced Crews-Dezurn to reset time and again. Still, Crews-Dezurn’s resilience was undeniable. She absorbed punishment and kept coming, determined to make Shields work for every point.
In the final rounds, the intensity only increased. Shields, sensing victory within reach, turned up the pressure, while Crews-Dezurn dug deep, looking for that one punch that could turn the tide. As the final bell rang, both fighters embraced, a gesture of mutual respect forged through ten grueling rounds at the highest level.
When the decision was announced, there was little surprise—Claressa Shields remained the undisputed heavyweight world champion. The crowd erupted in celebration, recognizing the magnitude of her achievement. Shields’ victory not only preserved her unblemished record but also reinforced her legacy as one of boxing’s all-time greats.
Beyond the main event, the night featured its share of drama and memorable moments. In the light heavyweight contest, Atif Oberlton and Joseph George delivered an intense battle, with George suffering a frightening fall in the first round that left fans momentarily silent before medical staff rushed to his aid. Thankfully, he was tended to promptly, a reminder of the risks every boxer faces when they step into the ring.
Meanwhile, in the women’s light heavyweight title fight, Danielle Perkins pulled off a thrilling upset, defeating Che Kenneally to claim the WBA belt. Perkins’ victory was met with jubilation from her corner, as she celebrated a career-defining moment on one of boxing’s biggest stages. The heavyweight clash between Pryce Taylor and James Evans also delivered fireworks, with Taylor sending Evans to the mat in a highlight-reel knockdown that had fans on their feet.
The event was a testament to the growing prominence of women’s boxing. Shields and Crews-Dezurn, both trailblazers, have paved the way for a new generation of fighters to dream big and aim high. The support from DAZN and the enthusiastic crowd in Detroit underscored the sport’s momentum and the appetite for high-level competition.
For those who couldn’t make it to Little Caesars Arena, DAZN’s global streaming platform ensured fans around the world could witness history. With flexible subscription options and a packed schedule of upcoming fights, the platform has become a go-to destination for boxing aficionados.
As the lights dimmed and fans filed out into the Detroit night, the significance of the evening lingered. Claressa Shields’ latest triumph solidified her standing atop the sport, while Franchon Crews-Dezurn’s grit and determination earned her admiration from all corners. The undercard delivered its own share of drama, with upsets, knockdowns, and displays of sportsmanship that will be talked about for months to come.
With the dust settled and another chapter written, Shields stands as the undisputed queen of heavyweight boxing, her legacy burnished by yet another commanding performance. The fans, the city, and the sport itself all emerged winners on a night that celebrated the very best of boxing.