Claressa Shields vs Franchon Crews-Dezurn undisputed championship fight to go ahead despite weigh-in clashes
The Claressa Shields versus Franchon Crews-Dezurn build up erupted into chaos after a heated face-off at the weigh-in; But despite the clashes the fight will still go ahead; Shields is putting the WBA, WBC, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles on the line against familiar rival Crews-Dezurn
Sunday 22 February 2026 16:29, UK
Claressa Shields’ undisputed heavyweight title defence against Franchon Crews-Dezurn will go ahead on Sunday night in Detroit.
Shields and Crews-Dezurn clashed in a heated face-off at the weigh-in ahead of their bout at Little Cesars Arena. A brawl broke out between the rival teams and Crews-Dezurn was reportedly injured in the chaos.
But she will be able to contest the bout with Shields and the fight will go ahead.
- Ultimate trailblazer Shields surprised herself with heavyweight triumph
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Promoter Dmitry Salita told Sky Sports: "We're looking forward to an incredible night in front of a sold-out crowd in Detroit.
"When you have two champions who are fully prepared, confident, and determined to win, emotions can naturally run high.
"That's what we saw and it simply reflects the intensity surrounding one of the biggest rematches in women's boxing."
Shields and Crews-Dezurn have boxed before, both in the amateurs and they also fought in 2016 when they were both making their professional debuts.
Speaking of her rival, Shields previously told Sky Sports: "I know she's going to come, she's going to bring it, she's more familiar with me than anybody else.
"You know that when you fight against Franchon, you're going to get bumps, you're going to get bruises. You may get thrown on the ground. Franchon is a rough and rugged fighter and she's very experienced."
But she added: "I'm the cream of the crop. I haven't had any close fights so I can't say how this fight will be.
"If I am too good for own good, I'm only going to get better. So there's nothing I can do about that. I like winning unanimously. I like knocking girls out. I like dominating. I think it looks great on my resume. I don't like having close fights."
Watch Caroline Dubois vs Terri Harper live on Sky Sports on Sunday April 5. Tickets available here
