Shields and Crews-Dezurn Set for Historic Heavyweight Title Bout

Claressa Shields is poised to defend her undisputed heavyweight title against Franchon Crews-Dezurn on February 22, 2025, at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. This matchup marks Shields' second defense of the heavyweight crown, which she secured in February 2025 with a unanimous decision over Danielle Perkins. Both fighters share a long history, having competed against each other as amateur rivals before facing off in their professional debuts in 2016, where Shields emerged victorious.

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Shields, who holds an undefeated record of 17 wins and 3 knockouts, expressed her respect for Crews-Dezurn, stating, "With this fight being at heavyweight, it brings more notoriety to her name, to my name, to the event." Crews-Dezurn, with a record of 10 wins and 2 losses, has also made significant strides in her career, becoming the undisputed super middleweight champion before transitioning to heavyweight.

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The upcoming bout is significant not only for the fighters but also for women's boxing as a whole. Shields and Crews-Dezurn have been instrumental in elevating the sport, particularly as they began their journeys before women's boxing was included in the Olympics. Shields, who became the first American woman to win a gold medal in boxing in 2012, acknowledged Crews-Dezurn's influence on her career, stating, "She was my motivation back then."

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The fight is also notable for Shields' recent partnership with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records, which is valued at $8 million, marking the largest deal for a female boxer. This partnership is expected to enhance the visibility and commercial viability of women's boxing.

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Both Shields and Crews-Dezurn have expressed excitement about the upcoming fight. Crews-Dezurn remarked, "This is a long time in the making," highlighting the anticipation surrounding their rematch. She emphasized the importance of their shared journey in women's boxing, stating, "It's beautiful because when we first met, women's boxing wasn't even in the Olympics."

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Shields echoed this sentiment, reflecting on their intertwined paths and the significance of their achievements in the sport. She noted, "I'm very selfless, so this is definitely my dream. Everything I'm doing is for my dream."

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In the lead-up to the fight, both fighters have focused on mutual respect rather than rivalry. Shields praised Crews-Dezurn's accomplishments, while Crews-Dezurn acknowledged the historical context of their match. Their shared history and respect for one another have set a positive tone for the event.

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As the fight approaches, both Shields and Crews-Dezurn are preparing for what promises to be an action-packed bout, with implications for their careers and the future of women's boxing. The outcome will not only determine the heavyweight champion but also continue to shape the narrative of women's participation in the sport.

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