BLACK mobile logo

detroit

sports

A Decade in the Making: Claressa Shields Returns Home for High-Stakes Rematch with Franchon Crews-Dezurn

December 9, 2025

Claressa Shields will defend her undisputed heavyweight championship against Franchon Crews-Dezurn on February 22, 2026, at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, marking a rematch of their professional debuts from November 2016. Both fighters have since become world champions, with Shields maintaining an undefeated record and recently signing an unprecedented $8 million contract with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records, the largest deal in women's boxing history. While Shields won their first meeting by unanimous decision, she now promises a knockout victory, claiming she's fully healthy after dealing with injuries in recent fights.

Who is affected

  • Claressa Shields (undefeated heavyweight champion, 17-0)
  • Franchon Crews-Dezurn (challenger, 10-2, former undisputed Super Middleweight champion)
  • Detroit boxing fans
  • Salita Promotions
  • Wynn Records
  • Little Caesars Arena/313 Presents
  • DAZN (streaming platform)
  • Peter Kahn (Crews-Dezurn's manager)
  • Papoose (Shields' manager and fiancé)

What action is being taken

  • Shields is defending her undisputed heavyweight championship
  • The fight is scheduled for February 22, 2026, at Little Caesars Arena
  • Tickets are going on sale Friday, December 12 at 10 a.m. (with pre-sale December 11)
  • The event is streaming live on DAZN

Why it matters

  • This rematch represents a significant milestone for women's boxing, showcasing how both fighters have evolved from professional debut opponents into world champions over nearly a decade. Shields' record-breaking $8 million contract demonstrates the growing financial recognition and investment in women's boxing. The fight carries symbolic weight as it returns to Detroit, where Shields previously sold out the arena, and serves as validation of the sport's progress toward equality and mainstream acceptance.

What's next

  • Ticket pre-sale begins December 11 (using code GWOAT)
  • General ticket sales start December 12 at 10 a.m.
  • Doors open at 4 p.m. on fight day (February 22, 2026)
  • Event streams live on DAZN

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle