Detroit, February 23, 2026 – One of the biggest nights in women’s boxing took place at Little Caesars Arena as undisputed women’s heavyweight champion Claressa “GWOAT” Shields defended her world titles in a heated rematch against long-time rival Franchón Crews-Dezurn.
The event delivered drama before and during fight night, with intense rivalry, undercard knockouts, medical scares, and championship changes adding to the excitement.
Fight Night Overview: Date, Venue & Broadcast
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Claressa Shields vs Franchón Crews-Dezurn 2 |
| Date | February 22, 2026 |
| Venue | Little Caesars Arena, Detroit |
| Main Card Start | 8:00 PM ET |
| Main Event Ring Walk | Around 11:00 PM ET |
| Titles at Stake | IBF, WBA, WBC & WBO Women’s Heavyweight |
The rematch came nearly 10 years after their professional debut bout in 2016, which Shields had won by decision.
Rivalry & Build-Up: Bad Blood and Fight Week Drama
The tension between the two fighters was visible throughout fight week:
- A heated face-off at weigh-ins led to a scuffle.
- Crews-Dezurn reportedly suffered knee and ankle soreness during the incident.
- Despite concerns, the fight was officially confirmed hours before the event.
- Both fighters exchanged strong words publicly, adding more intensity to the rivalry.
Their history goes beyond the pro level, as Shields had previously defeated Crews-Dezurn in amateur meetings as well.
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Main Event Storyline: GWOAT Defends Her Legacy
Claressa Shields (17-0, 3 KOs)
- Two-time Olympic gold medalist
- World champion in five weight divisions
- Considered one of the greatest female boxers ever
- Entered the fight after a July 2025 win over Lani Daniels
Franchón Crews-Dezurn (10-2, 2 KOs)
- Former undisputed super middleweight champion
- Known for aggressive, pressure-based fighting style
- Entered the bout after a majority decision win in June 2025
Style Contrast
- Shields: Technical, fast, precise, controls distance
- Crews-Dezurn: Physical, aggressive, high-pressure approach
Most experts expected Shields to retain her titles due to superior speed and ring control.
Results & Major Highlights
The Detroit event featured multiple action-packed fights:
Championship & Main Undercard Results
| Fight | Result |
|---|---|
| Danielle Perkins vs Che Kenneally | Perkins won by 6th-round KO (New WBA Light Heavyweight Champion) |
| Pryce Taylor vs James Evans | Taylor won by 5th-round TKO |
| Atif Oberlton vs Joseph George | Fight stopped after George collapsed between rounds |
| Edith Matthysse vs Samantha Worthington | Matthysse won by 9th-round TKO |
| Jasmine Hampton vs Agustina Vazquez | Hampton won by 5th-round TKO |
| Shannel Butler vs Danila Ramos | Butler won by decision |
Scary Moment of the Night: Joseph George collapsed in his corner after Round 1. Medical staff quickly attended him, and the fight was waved off, with Oberlton declared the winner.
Atmosphere in Detroit
- Crowd of around 18,000 fans
- Emotional reactions after the George incident
- Strong support for hometown star Shields
- Electric energy throughout the main card
The event was widely seen as one of the biggest women’s boxing nights of 2026.
What Was at Stake for Shields
- Undisputed heavyweight championship defense
- Extension of her perfect professional record
- Continued dominance across multiple weight divisions
- Momentum after signing a multi-fight deal worth around $8 million
A victory further strengthens her legacy as one of the most decorated fighters in women’s boxing history.
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Key Points from the Event
- Heated rivalry and weigh-in chaos added drama
- New champion Danielle Perkins emerged
- Multiple knockout victories across the card
- Medical scare involving Joseph George shocked the arena
- Shields remained the strong favorite heading into the main event
The Shields vs Crews-Dezurn rematch delivered everything fans expected — rivalry, drama, knockouts, and high-level championship boxing. With her undefeated record and dominance across multiple divisions, Claressa Shields continues to strengthen her status as the face of women’s boxing and one of the sport’s all-time greats.
FAQs
When did the Shields vs Crews-Dezurn 2 fight take place?
February 22, 2026, at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
What titles were on the line?
IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO Women’s Heavyweight Championships.
What was Claressa Shields’ record entering the fight?
17 wins, 0 losses.
How many weight divisions has Shields won titles in?
Five divisions.
What was the biggest upset on the undercard?
Danielle Perkins knocking out Che Kenneally to win the WBA light heavyweight title.
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