Claressa Shields is pound-for-pound No 1 in world over Katie Taylor in woman's boxing, says promoter
Claressa Shields' promoter Dmitriy Salita says the undisputed heavyweight champion is eyeing a fight against fellow American Mikaela Mayer after defending her title against Franchon Crews-Dezurn on Sunday; Shields has held titles across five weight divisions in her career
Tuesday 24 February 2026 08:21, UK
Claressa Shields deserves to be recognised as the No 1 fighter in woman's boxing ahead of Katie Taylor, believes promoter Dmitriy Salita.
Shields just successfully defended her undisputed heavyweight championship in a dominant unanimous decision victory over Franchon Crews-Dezurn to extend her perfect professional record to 18-0.
The double Olympic champion has amassed 18 world championships across five weight classes and is the only female boxer ever to have held four major world titles in three different weight divisions.
Undisputed super lightweight Taylor similarly reigns as an icon and trailblazer of women's boxing, within which she is widely considered to be the greatest.
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"Katie Taylor is a historic figure in boxing, and I've said many times - personally and professionally - that I'm a fan of hers and what she has done for the sport," Shields' promoter Salita told Sky Sports.
"That said, Claressa Shields is definitively the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in women's boxing today.
"What separates Claressa is not just what she's accomplished in the ring which already stands on its own but the totality of her impact.
"There is something more to being a bona fide superstar than simply being elite in the ring. There's an "IT" factor. The ability to headline, to sell out arenas, to create moments, to carry events regardless of the opponent - and Claressa has that.
"She may be the first woman in the history of the sport consistently selling out major arenas regardless of opponent."
Shields has stormed through the weight divisions as one of the face's of women's combat sport, a marquee moment in her career coming in 2022 when she defeated long-time rival Savannah Marshall in London.
She would later go on to move up to heavyweight before becoming undisputed champion with a unanimous decision win over Danielle Perkins.
Salita says she is now eyeing a clash with unified world super-welterweight champion Mikaela Mayer, who is coming off back-to-back wins over Sandy Ryan and, most recently, a unanimous decision win over Mary Spencer.
"Since the very beginning of her career, Claressa has chased greatness," Salita added. "She's moved up and down in weight. She's crossed oceans. She has taken on the toughest challenges available to her.
"A fight with Mikaela Mayer is something she has openly said she wants. She also made it clear last night that she is willing to come back down in the 160 range to pursue meaningful fights - including Shadasia Green.
"Absolutely incredible! The fire inside that she has to fight the best, in any division, at any time, is rare. That mindset is what separates champions from generational talent."
Shields had been involved in a heated face-off and ensuing clash with Crews-Dezurn and her team at the weigh-in prior to the pair's fight on Sunday.
Crews-Dezurn was notably evaluated by a doctor on Sunday morning for knee and ankle problems before being cleared to fight.
The rivals, who fought in Shields' first professional bout in November 2016, ended the night with a mutual respect.
"Absolutely," said Salita. "They've now shared the ring twice at the highest level. That's a deep, emotional, and physical experience. There was a competitive fire that evolved into the highest level of respect.
"They are sisters in spirit in many ways - pioneers who helped elevate women's boxing together. After two fights like that, the bond, the respect, and the appreciation for what they've built in this sport together is lasting.
"Franchon is a true champion. She came prepared, fought hard, and represented herself with world championship ability."
