Shields keeps title with win vs. rival Crews-Dezurn
Eric Woodyard
created: Feb. 23, 2026, 9:27 a.m. | updated: Feb. 23, 2026, 2:53 p.m.
Open Extended ReactionsDETROIT -- Undisputed heavyweight champion Claressa Shields and longtime rival Franchon Crews-Dezurn promised an action-packed fight Sunday night -- and they delivered, with Shields defending her crown via unanimous decision at Little Caesars Arena.
Franchon hits hard and she's tough and you got to be very tricky with her," Shields said in her postfight interview.
After battling for 10 rounds in front of more than 17,000 fans, Shields and Crews-Dezurn shared a warm embrace in the middle of the ring.
Rapper Lil Boosie also joined Shields for her ring walk, where he performed his hit song "Set It Off."
The victory marked Shields' second defense of her undisputed heavyweight crown, which she won in February 2025 in a unanimous decision over Danielle Perkins.
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