Claressa Shields dominated Franchon Crews-Dezurn again via unanimous decision, yet fan approval remains limited, and even champions Shakur Stevenson and Terence Crawford‘s support hasn’t swayed public opinion.
The rematch at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit mirrored their first pro fight, with Shields winning all 10 rounds on every judge’s scorecard, 100-90, as she improved to 18-0 with three knockouts, while Crews-Dezurn fell to 10-3.
“I felt like I had to take my time,” Shields said. “Franchon hits hard and she’s tough and you’ve got to be very tricky with her.
“It was one of the best fights that I’ve been in at my professional career, especially at 10 rounds.”
Crews-Dezurn pressed early, landing hard punches in rounds one and two, but Shields adjusted, timing her jab perfectly and controlling the fight by mid-bout, gradually wearing her opponent down, while keeping her composure and patience.
After 10 rounds in front of over 17,000 fans, the two shared a respectful embrace, as their rivalry started in amateur boxing, and Shields had previously beaten Dezurn in their 2016 pro debuts in Las Vegas on Ward vs Kovalev undercard.
The audience included Terence Crawford, Tee Grizzley, Mike Epps, and Michael Blackson, while Lil Boosie performed Set It Off for Shields‘ entrance, adding energy, excitement, and hype as she prepared to defend her undisputed heavyweight crown.
Shields wins praise from Terence Crawford but is her win as good as it looks?
Shields‘ second defense of her undisputed heavyweight crown came after winning it in February 2025 against Danielle Perkins, and she plans future bouts with Shadasia Green, followed by a catchweight fight with Mikaela Mayer at 162-163 pounds.
Despite two Olympic golds, five weight-class titles, and undisputed crowns in three divisions, fans question her legacy, noting a shallow upper-weight division, repeated victories over Dezurn, and lack of fully competitive challengers in her weight class.
Shields won the WBC heavyweight title in July 2024 against a 7-1 opponent with minimal amateur experience, and became undisputed after beating Danielle Perkins, whose record was 5-0, demonstrating Shields‘ dominance, but also highlighting thin competition.
Dezurn, who had fought mainly at super middleweight in 2024, moved up to face Shields, which underscores concerns over a lack of high-level contenders, while showing that Shields repeatedly defeats the same familiar opponent rather than new challengers.
However, two men with intimate knowledge of what it takes to be a top fighter and what it takes to be a professional athlete, Terence Crawford and Shakur Stevenson, believe Shields is the real deal.
“Do y’all not see the skill… THE GREATEST EVER,” Stevenson proclaimed via X.com, formerly known as Twitter.
Whilst Crawford told DAZN, “She did amazing. Man, what more can I say? [Shields] is the greatest woman alive… [She should do] whatever she wants to [next]. She is the woman in charge, she is the baddest woman on the earth.”
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