The Big Announcement
After months of anticipation, the highly anticipated rematch between Claressa Shields and Franchon Crews-Dezurn is officially set for February 22, 2026, at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. This bout will mark Shields’ first fight under a landmark US$8 million multi-fight deal she recently signed with Salita Promotions in partnership with Wynn Records the richest contract in women’s boxing history. Reuters+2The Washington Post+2
The fight was announced on December 9, 2025, with promoters and both fighters confirming the card. Norwalk Hour+2RingMagazine.com+2
Shields (17-0, 3 KOs) hailed widely as a generational talent and often dubbed the “GWOAT” (Greatest Woman Of All Time) will put her undisputed heavyweight titles on the line for the second time. ESPN.com+2Wikipedia+2
Crews-Dezurn (10-2, 2 KOs), now 38, is moving up in weight to challenge Shields. The rematch carries extra weight: their first meeting was back in November 2016, when both boxers made their professional debut. Shields earned a unanimous-decision win in that four-round opener a symbolic passing of the torch that launched her pro career. ESPN.com+2Wikipedia+2
Why This Fight Matters For Shields, Crews-Dezurn, and Women’s Boxing
A defining moment for Shields’ legacy
- First big test under a mega contract: The 8-million deal with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records is a statement not just commercially, but culturally. It signals a growing recognition of women’s boxing as a major sports-entertainment product. The Guardian+1
- Reaffirming dominance: Shields became the first woman male or female to be undisputed champion in three weight divisions during the four-belt era, a historic feat. Wikipedia+1
- Homecoming energy: Fighting in Detroit her home state adds emotional weight. Her return promises to draw on the support of hometown fans, especially after recent bouts that have sold out arenas. https://www.wnem.com+1
A second chance and redemption for Crews-Dezurn
- Proving growth and resilience: After falling to Shields in 2016, Crews-Dezurn rebounded to become the undisputed super-middleweight champion, rebuilt after losses, and regained the title in late 2023. Wikipedia+1
- Opportunity on the biggest stage: Moving up to heavyweight and fighting for the undisputed crown puts her ambitions front and center a shot at history, and a chance to silence doubters who remember her first loss.
A milestone for women’s boxing
This matchup between two former rivals meeting nearly a decade later on the biggest stage underscores the growth of women’s boxing. With a heavyweight fight headlining a major arena on a big contract, this could help elevate the profile of the sport and draw attention beyond the traditional fan base.
What We Know So Far: Recent Form & Context
- Shields claimed the undisputed heavyweight title in February 2025, with a win over Danielle Perkins. Wikipedia+1
- She successfully defended her heavyweight belts in July 2025, defeating Lani Daniels in Detroit before a crowd of more than 15,000. The Guardian+1
- Regarding the upcoming fight, Shields has publicly stated her intention: “I plan on putting Franchon Crews on her back and leaving with the KO.” She’s emphasized she’s “100 percent” healthy and not hampered by the injuries she dealt with in prior bouts. The Washington Post+1
- For Crews-Dezurn, the bout is strategic. She has reestablished credibility at super-middleweight — most recently defending her title in 2025 and is now chasing a heavyweight crown to cap her legacy. Wikipedia+1
What to Watch Between Now and Fight Night
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Weight jump for Crews-Dezurn | Adjusting to heavyweight comes with physical and strategic challenges; can she handle Shields’ size, power, and volume? |
| Shields’ health and form | She mentioned recent injuries a full recovery is vital for her to perform at peak level and avoid ring rust. |
| Psychological edge & motivation | Fighting in Detroit gives Shields home-crowd energy; for Crews-Dezurn, the hunger for redemption could fuel a strong performance. |
| Stakes beyond belts | With media build-up, big money, and her new deal, Shields is boxing not just for legacy but to advance women’s boxing exposure and pay equity. |
| Styles and in-ring adjustments | Crews-Dezurn has evolved from 2016: improved technique, power, and championship experience. Will she fight the same 4-round fight or aim for deeper rounds this time? |
What This Means for the Sport and the Broader Landscape
This fight could mark a turning point for women’s boxing, symbolically and practically. The combination of a heavyweight championship, a major contract, high-profile media attention and a rematch nearly a decade in the making creates a potential moment of elevation.
If successful, Shields’ fight could open doors for more marquee women’s boxing events heavier promotion, larger paydays, and crossover exposure. And even if Crews-Dezurn were to win, she’d be a unique story of reinvention and perseverance, potentially inspiring a new wave of female fighters to aim high regardless of setbacks.
Moreover, holding the fight in a large arena in Detroit with its rich boxing history could rekindle interest in women’s boxing as a headline attraction that sells out stadiums, not just undercards.
Finally, the fight builds on Shields’ broader ambition: she is not just a champion, but a brand. The deal with Wynn Records suggests cross-industry potential, blending boxing with music/entertainment, which could bring new fans to the sport. The Guardian+1
What to Keep an Eye On Before Feb. 22, 2026
- Venue announcements & ticketing details When will tickets go on sale? Will it sell out again like previous Detroit showings?
- Media build-up & promotional narratives Will there be documentaries, social media campaigns, crossover events via Wynn Records to amplify reach beyond boxing fans?
- Pre-fight weigh-ins and conditioning updates Especially for Crews-Dezurn’s move to heavyweight; any weight-cut drama or reported struggles could signal red flags.
- Undercard and broadcast plans As women’s boxing gains traction, what undercard fights will support the main event? Will this become a landmark show?
- Public and media reaction Will this fight shift narratives in favor of women’s boxing as elite-level entertainment rather than “novelty”?
Conclusion
The upcoming rematch between Claressa Shields and Franchon Crews-Dezurn is more than a boxing match it’s a defining moment, both personally for the fighters and structurally for women’s boxing.
On one side stands Shields: undefeated, undisputed across multiple divisions, recently signed to the richest contract in women’s boxing history a hometown hero returning to Detroit for a high-stakes showdown. On the other, Crews-Dezurn: a veteran with a decorated resume, fighting for redemption and heavyweight glory.
Whether Shields reaffirms her reign or Crews-Dezurn shocks the world, Feb. 22, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most important nights in women’s boxing in years.
Shields to defend undisputed heavyweight crown against Crews-Dezurn
Claressa Shields vs. Franchon Crews-Dezurn rematch set for Feb. 22
Claressa Shields vs Franchon Crews-Dezurn Rematch – Everything You Need to Know
