On February 22, at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Claressa Shields vs Franchón Crews-Dezurn headlined a Salita Promotions and 313 Presents fight card in partnership with Wynn Records, live on DAZN.
Shields ultimately had too much for her opponent and won via a unanimous decision. After the dominant win, Terence Crawford reflected on the victory for Shields, praising her status in women’s boxing.
Claressa Shields records dominant win over Franchón Crews-Dezurn
Claressa Shields (18-0, 3 KOs) once again recorded a one-sided victory, this time against Franchón Crews-Dezurn (10-3, 2 KOs, 1 NC). Shields had previously fought Crews-Dezurn in 2016, and this time it was for Shields’ undisputed heavyweight title.
Both started brightly, swinging in the opening round, but the quality in Shields’ work began to shine through, as Crews-Dezurn’s pace began to slow. Despite Crews-Dezurn occasionally landing a punch, Shields mainly dictated the tempo of the fight with her cleaner punching and ultimately won with scores of 100-90 across the board.
Terence Crawford reflects and praises Claressa Shields
Reflecting on Claressa Shields’ win over Franchón Crews-Dezurn, Crawford said: “She did amazing. Man, what more can I say? She’s the greatest woman alive.”
When asked what Shields should go for next: “Whatever she wants to. She’s the woman in charge. She’s the baddest woman on earth. She can pick her fights; she can do whatever she wants,”said Shields.
Shields post fight quotes
Speaking immediately after the win over Dezurn, Shields said: “I felt like I had to take my time.”
“Franchon hits hard, she’s tough, and you have to be tricky with her.
“She was trying to call the upset. She’s the heavy-hitting diva, and that’s one of the best fights I’ve been in. I had to watch my ass every round.”
Shields added: “I wanted to make sure I got her timing, her jab. Franchon has a really good stick. When she puts it out there, the right hand comes after it. But I showcased my skills, body shots. She just wouldn’t go. I thought she was getting ready to go in Round 6 or 7. I wasn’t punching enough maybe in 8 or 9.
“I can beat these girls tremendously. I try hard to get the knockout. I love y’all.”
Shields also spoke about what could be next: “love to share the ring with Shadasia [Green]. She’s at 168 [pounds], I’d go down and fight against her. Franchon still has belts at 168. So you might see Shields vs. Crews-Dezurn 3!”
She finished by saying she’d fight Mikaela Mayer too, “absolutely.”
