Fight week has arrived for the Undisputed Heavyweight World Championship clash between Claressa Shields and Franchon Crews-Dezurn.
The fighters put their preparation on display during an open media workout at Warriors boxing gym in Hollywood, Florida. The longtime rivals showcased the skill, intensity and composure they will bring into their highly anticipated rematch Sunday, Feb. 22 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, streaming live on DAZN beginning at 8 p.m. ET.
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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 at 313Presents.com and Ticketmaster.com.
Shields, working alongside longtime trainer John David Jackson, looked sharp and fluid as she moved through a fast-paced workout of shadowboxing, pad work and defensive drills. The champion appeared relaxed and confident, smiling between rounds, engaging with reporters and posing for photos after her session.
“Franchon’s been playing the victim this entire promotion,” Shields said. “She’s more worried about what I’m doing. Is she dangerous? Yes. I’m not overlooking her. She’s a competitor just like me. I don’t dislike her, it’s just business. I don’t care who’s in the ring, I’m going to get them out because I love winning and proving I’m the greatest.”
Shields made it clear she sees this fight as another opportunity to reinforce her legacy.
“If she doesn’t agree that I’m the greatest, it’s my job to prove I am,” she said. “I’m the GWOAT.
I’ve shown that. I’m not here to prove anything else. Fighters need to prove to themselves and fight me in order to show how great they think they really are.”
The Flint native once again fighting in her home state, Shields emphasized the significance of returning to Detroit.
“I’m excited to get back to my fans in Detroit,” she said. “I’ve put so much time and energy into building my brand — a real, authentic brand — and giving people an inside look at my life. I’m grateful to the fans who’ve tuned in and purchased tickets. We’re well on our way to a sellout Sunday night.”
Crews-Dezurn, moving up in weight from super middleweight for the Undisputed Heavyweight Championship opportunity, looked comfortable and composed at her new size. The former world champion worked through crisp shadowboxing combinations and sharp pad rounds, highlighting the tactical style she plans to deploy on fight night.
Crews-Dezurn acknowledged the uphill battle of entering the champion’s hometown as the challenger and understands what’s at stake.
“I feel the hurdles of this promotion coming in as the B-side fighter,” she said. “I know I can’t leave this fight in the judges’ hands fighting in her hometown. The ‘Heavy Hitting Diva’ was conceived from birth. Everything I’ve gone through in life has shaped who I am and what I bring to the ring. I’m going to continue fighting this fight against Claressa until I get the well-deserved victory and recognition.”
Despite the magnitude of the moment, Crews-Dezurn believes her legacy extends beyond one night.
“I may not get the recognition in this fight, but my name will be etched in the Boxing Hall of Fame and all over the history books,” she said. “Fans will see firsthand Sunday night.”
On moving up to heavyweight, she added:
“I had to move up in weight from super middleweight. It’s more than just eating and fighting — I’m mastering my performance in the gym. I really went to war with myself in this camp, and the only person standing in the way of winning is myself. As long as I do what I’m supposed to do, I will come out victorious.”
When asked about her ring walk plans, Crews-Dezurn delivered a statement that matched her demeanor.
“I don’t have any acts. I’m coming for war,” she said. “I might even walk with no music — I’m on black Air Force energy.”
Sunday’s main event marks nearly a decade since the two first shared the ring as professionals. Now, with undisputed heavyweight supremacy on the line, both fighters made it clear in South Florida: respect may exist, but neither plans to leave Detroit without a statement.