BOXING: Shields to defend undisputed heavyweight crown against Crews-Dezurn

Claressa Shields, the undisputed women's heavyweight champion, will defend her titles against Franchon Crews-Dezurn in Detroit next February, marking her first fight under a record-breaking $8 million deal. Undefeated in 17 bouts, Shields aims to extend her dominance in women's boxing.

Aadi Nair

December 10, 2025

Boxing - Claressa Shields v Savannah Marshall - IBF, WBA, WBC & WBO World Middleweight Titles - O2 Arena, London, Britain - October 15, 2022 Claressa Shields celebrates winning her fight against Savannah Marshall Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

Andrew Couldridge

Boxing’s undisputed heavyweight champion Claressa Shields is set to defend her titles against Franchon Crews-Dezurn in Detroit next February, organisers announced Tuesday. This will mark Shields’ first fight since signing a landmark deal with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records.

Shields, 30, remains undefeated in her 17 professional bouts. She became the first undisputed women’s heavyweight champion after defeating Danielle Perkins in February. In November, she signed an $8 million multi-year contract with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records, which the promotion company described as the richest deal in women’s boxing history.

A two-time Olympic champion, Shields has faced Crews-Dezurn before, winning by unanimous decision in 2016 during both fighters’ professional debuts. Their upcoming rematch promises to be a high-stakes showdown for boxing fans. -Aadi Nair/Reuters