NEW YORK – Flint native Claressa “The GWOAT” Shields and Franchon “The Heavy Hitting Diva” Crews-Dezurn shared the stage at a kickoff press conference ahead of their upcoming bout taking place at Little Caesars Arena on Feb. 22.
The promotion for one of the biggest fights in women’s boxing officially got underway on Dec. 16. at The Edition Times Square in New York.
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With championship belts on display and history front and center, both fighters spoke candidly, exchanged pointed words, and made it clear this matchup is about more than the Undisputed Heavyweight World Title — it’s about legacy.
“This is the kind of fight the sport needs,” Shields said. “This is the Layla Ali versus Ann Wolf fight that the world never got.”
“I’m one of them ones, the last dying breeds, and I fight everything,” Crews-Dezurn said. ”Everything I do is to preserve women’s boxing and to be competitive just like the men. Claressa Shields is one of the best dance partners to have, because she’s passionate about putting on good fights, tough fights, and making sure people know it’s not just a woman’s fight its going to be a great fight.”
Shields (17-0, 3KO’s) beat Crews-Dezurn (10-2, 2 KO’s) in her professional debut in 2016 but both have become undisputed world champions since then, setting the stage for a highly anticipated rematch.
“Franchon is sitting here right now because she’s the best,” Shields said. “She is a heavy hitter, she’s hit me harder than anybody, man or woman. She has a mean right hand. She’s not somebody you take a fight with it, then go training camp and f*** around. I respect the hell out of her but I want to put her on her back! Not that I hate her, I just handle business when I get in the ring, I don’t care who’s in front of me. I get in there and walk these girls down.”
“That’s why we have so much respect for each other because it’s never been a situation where I got my ass whooped and I’m walking with my tail tucked between my legs,” Crews-Dezurn said. “It’s always been a fight. I’ve been on her a** since then. I’m on her a** now, and y’all should be thanking me because people like me, keep her where she needs to be.”
Shields and Crews-Dezurn will square off on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, in an Undisputed Heavyweight World Championship bout and will stream live on boxing streaming service, DAZN.
The fight marks Shields’ first appearance since signing her landmark $8 million deal with Wynn Records and Salita Promotions, the largest contract ever awarded to a female boxer and her return to Little Caesars Arena following a sold-out event on July 27, 2025.
“This fight represents the very highest level of women’s boxing, said Dmitriy Salita, Head of Salita Promotions. ”Claressa Shields has accomplished what no man or woman has ever done, becoming a three-division world champion faster than anyone in the sport’s history. Both Claressa and Franchon have reached undisputed status in their careers, capturing every major belt along with The Ring title. When fighters of this caliber meet, it’s not manufactured, it’s earned.”
Hosted by Cigar Talk’s Naji Grampus, the conference brought together voices from boxing, music, and culture, including New York music legend and Executive at Wynn Records Papoose, Wynn Records Founder & CEO Ruben Branson and Salita Promotions President Dmitriy Salita. The discussion highlighted the magnitude of the moment, as two undisputed champions prepared to meet again with everything on the line.
“I’m a die hard boxing fan, fanatic, I’m not a casual,” Papoose said. “Normally when fights get announced, sometimes you get people that’s disappointed. But I got to say, when we announced this fight, Franchon versus the GWOAT, Claressa Shields, nobody was disappointed.”
“Claressa has been Wynn Records’ best investment,” said Branson. “Her core values are important when we approach investments of this magnitude. Her ability to impact the next generation is impressive, watching children come up to her and thank her for being who she is and admit she’s their role model is what makes a true leader in the sport, and I’m excited to see her legacy continue February 22 at Little Caesars Arena.
Shields, whose career has been defined by facing the best across multiple divisions, welcomed the moment of facing Crews-Dezurn in a high-stakes matchup.
“I can’t reveal what’s planned, just know we have no problem getting butts in seats and this fight is no different,” Papoose said. “Bringing all of these entities together is only going to bring bigger fights and moments. If you don’t have your tickets yet, I don’t know what’s wrong with you because this is going to be a sell out!”
With two champions, a storied rivalry, and undisputed status on the line, Shields vs. Crews-Dezurn stands as a defining moment for women’s boxing, a fight built on achievement, competitiveness, and respect.
“We’re returning to the biggest venue at Little Caesars to bring the biggest fight in women’s boxing on Sunday, February 22, and I promise it will deliver fireworks,” Salita said. “The Undisputed Heavyweight World Championship, especially when held by an American, is one of the most coveted prizes in all of sports. And when that championship is contested by two bona fide American champions, the entire world stops and pays attention.”
The event is promoted by Salita Promotions in partnership with Wynn Records and co-promoted by 313 Presents. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased on 313 Presents or Ticketmaster’s website.