Claressa Shields Vs. Franchon Crews-Dezurn
Feb 22 / Sunday
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5:00 PM
CLARESSA SHIELDS:
“In 2016 I had just come off winning two Olympic gold medals, fresh out of the amateurs, and finding an opponent was tough, Franchon stepped in,” Shields said. “I’ve grown a lot since that first victory, going on to win nineteen world titles, the ESPY award, and countless other achievements, but me and Franchon have unfinished business that needs to be settled. She’s been poppin’ it like she can whoop me in a world championship fight. We went four rounds in our pro debut, and this fight will pick up from round five.”
“I’m honored to return to Detroit to defend my undisputed heavyweight world championship,” Shields continued. “Selling out Little Caesars Arena was a dream, and my fans made that come true. Fighting in Michigan motivates me, and it also puts pressure on me because I never want to fail them.”
“In my first fight with Franchon I won a unanimous decision, but come February 22, I don’t have those same plans," said Shields. I plan on putting Franchon Crews on her back and leaving with the KO. My last few fights, I was dealing with injuries, but now I’m 100 percent. Franchon is elite, but I am super elite, and I plan on proving that come fight night.”
DMITRIY SALITA, President, SALITA PROMOTIONS:
“This fight represents everything Claressa Shields has stood for since day one, heart, courage, and a relentless commitment to greatness and equality for women all around the world, something she has championed since her very first day in the gym,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “Nearly a decade ago, Claressa and Franchon stepped into the ring as two Olympians making their professional debuts. Since then, both have risen to become world champions and global forces in women’s boxing. Now, these two giants meet again under the largest contract in the history of the sport, in a matchup that carries international significance.”
“Our partnership with Wynn Records allows us to amplify Claressa’s reach and bring this historic moment to fans around the world,” Salita continued. “February 22 is more than a rematch – it is a landmark for our sport and a reflection of how far women’s boxing has come.”
RUBEN BRANSON, WYNN RECORDS:
“Claressa Shields represents everything Wynn Records stands for excellence, innovation, and breaking barriers,” said Ruben Branson. “Her $8 million deal isn’t just a milestone for women’s boxing, it’s a statement about what’s possible when talent meets vision. We’re proud to stand behind The GWOAT as she returns home to defend her title and continue rewriting history.”
PAPOOSE, WYNN RECORDS:
“This fight is more than just a rematch, it’s a moment for the culture. Claressa is the embodiment of greatness, discipline, and determination. She’s proven time and again that she’s not just the best in women’s boxing, she’s one of the best, period. February 22 is going to be exciting to watch, and Wynn Records is honored to be part of this historic chapter.”
FRANCHON CREWS-DEZURN:
“I’ve been waiting and working a long time for this moment, and we finally meet again, " said Crews-Dezurn. “This time as established champions with great legacies. I’m daring to be even greater by going up in weight, strutting into hell so I can create my heaven. I’m a worldwide woman that’s good in any hood and can’t wait to give Detroit, along with the world, a great fight. This is my sixth fight in a row on DAZN and I am grateful to be back once again with everything on the line and grateful to Salita Promotions and my manager Peter Kahn for getting this fight made.”
For Salita Promotions, this moment is equally full circle. Dmitriy Salita’s first fight with Shields took place that same night, the start of a partnership that would help establish her as a global force. Nearly a decade later, they reunite under the biggest deal in women’s boxing history, returning to the stage where Shields has become one of the sport’s most celebrated champions.
HOWARD HANDLER, 313 PRESENTS:
“Claressa Shields is more than a champion – she’s the heartbeat of Detroit boxing," said 313 Presents President Howard Handler. "Her last fight at Little Caesars Arena proved that she can electrify an entire city, and on Sunday, February 22, she’ll bring that energy back for a historic rematch with Franchon Crews-Dezurn. This is a full-circle moment, ten years in the making, and we’re proud to showcase it right here in Detroit."