Women’s boxing delivers one of its biggest fights of 2026 as undisputed heavyweight champion Claressa Shields faces WBC super middleweight champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn on February 22, 2026. This historic clash takes place at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan.
Shields enters with a perfect 17-0 record, holding multiple heavyweight world titles including the IBF, WBC, WBO, and WBF belts. Crews-Dezurn brings a 10-2 record, looking to take Sheilds undisputed heavyweight title. The betting lines overwhelmingly favor Shields at -3000, with Crews-Dezurn at +1200.
Here’s our complete breakdown of Shields vs Crews-Dezurn, including boxing predictions, best bets, key props, and viewing information.
Fight Details
Event: Shields vs. Crews-Dezurn
Weight class: Heavyweight (Women’s)
Fight length: 10 rounds
Date & time: Saturday, February 22, 2026 – 11:00 p.m. ET / 8:00 p.m. PT
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Odds updated: February 21, 2026 – 12:00 AM ET. Lines may move before fight night, especially after weigh-ins or late injury news.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats
Tale Of The Tape
Claressa Shields
Franchon Crews-Dezurn
Record
17-0
10-2
Age
30
38
Height
5’9″
5’8″
Reach
68″
72″
Stance
Orthodox
Orthodox
KO/TKO Wins
3
2
KO Percentage
18%
20%
Rounds Boxed
~143
~98
Shields holds decisive advantages in youth, undefeated record, height, championship pedigree, and rounds boxed. Crews-Dezurn counters with a significant reach advantage and the desperation of a fighter looking to shock the world.
Fighter Breakdown – Claressa Shields Analysis
The 30-year-old from Flint, Michigan stands as one of the greatest female boxers in history. A two-time Olympic gold medalist, Shields has compiled a perfect 17-0 professional record since turning pro on November 19, 2016. She currently holds the undisputed heavyweight title.
Strengths: Perfect professional record. Two-time Olympic gold medalist brings unparalleled amateur pedigree. Multiple world titles across divisions (middleweight to heavyweight). Height advantage (1 inch). Extensive experience with 143 professional rounds boxed. Elite technical skills and ring IQ from Olympic background. Multiple undisputed championships prove ability to beat the best consistently.
Weaknesses: Low knockout percentage (18%) suggests limited finishing power. Facing opponent with 4-inch reach advantage. May underestimate Crews-Dezurn’s desperation and motivation. Heavy favorite status (-3000) creates immense pressure. Limited power means must dominate all 10 rounds to secure victory.
The 38-year-old from Baltimore, Maryland brings a 10-2 record with 2 knockouts to this monumental challenge. The reigning WBC super middleweight champion has compiled nine years of experience with 98 professional rounds.
Strengths: Reigning WBC super middleweight champion. Significant reach advantage (4 inches). Nine years of professional experience provides veteran savvy. Nothing to lose as massive underdog (+1280), can fight freely.
Weaknesses: Significant age disadvantage (38 vs 30). Two career losses raise questions about ability to compete at elite level. Height disadvantage (1 inch).Facing arguably the greatest female boxer ever at her absolute peak. Less rounds boxed (98 vs 143) means less championship-distance experience.
Best Bets For Claressa Shields vs Franchon Crews-Dezurn
The -3000 moneyline yields no value. However, Shields by decision at -500 on FanDuel offers more reasonable pricing while backing the most probable outcome. Shields’ low knockout percentage (18%) combined with Crews-Dezurn’s durability strongly suggests this goes the full 10 rounds.
At -500 (implied probability: 83.3%), this reflects the reality that Shields dominates on points but rarely stops opponents. Expect a masterclass in technical boxing as Shields outworks and outboxes Crews-Dezurn over 10 rounds.
If Crews-Dezurn can utilize her significant reach advantage (4 inches) to keep Shields at distance for all 10 rounds, and if judges reward her for effective distance control, a shocking decision upset becomes theoretically possible.
At +2000 (implied probability: 4.8%), this offers massive payout potential for believers in a miracle performance. However, Shields’ Olympic pedigree and technical superiority make this highly improbable.
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Small stake only—0.5 units maximum. While Shields rarely stops opponents, if Crews-Dezurn’s age (38) and two career losses indicate declining durability, Shields’ accumulation of punishment over 10 rounds could force a late stoppage. At +440 (implied probability: 18.5%), this offers excellent value if Shields breaks from her usual decision pattern.
Prediction – Final Verdict
Official Pick: Claressa Shields by Unanimous Decision
We’re backing Shields to dominate Crews-Dezurn over the full 10 rounds, winning clearly on all three scorecards. The Olympic champion’s technical superiority, youth advantage (30 vs 38), and championship experience create an overwhelming skill gap that Crews-Dezurn cannot overcome.
Crews-Dezurn’s reach advantage will show in the early rounds as she uses her veteran experience to keep Shields at distance, land her jab, and win rounds 1-2 on some cards. The Baltimore veteran’s WBC championship pedigree demonstrates she belongs at this level.
However, as the fight progresses, Shields’ superior conditioning, technical skills, and relentless pressure should overwhelm Crews-Dezurn’s game plan. The 30-year-old champion establishes her jab, closes the distance to negate the reach disadvantage, and outworks the older fighter in exchanges.
By rounds 5-10, Shields should dominate completely as Crews-Dezurn’s age and accumulated punishment slow her output. The Olympic gold medalist’s superior hand speed, footwork, and ring IQ should allow her to control every aspect of the fight.
We see Shields winning unanimously on all scorecards, cementing her legacy as one of the greatest female boxers in history!
Full Fight Card (DAZN)
Claressa Shields vs. Franchon Crews-Dezurn, 10 rounds, for Shields’ undisputed heavyweight championship
Che Kenneally vs. Danielle Perkins, 10 rounds, women’s light heavyweights
Atif Oberlton vs. Joseph George, 10 rounds, light heavyweights
Samantha Worthington vs. Edith Soledad Matthysse, 10 rounds, for Worthington WBA women’s interim junior welterweight title
Shannel Butler vs. Danila Ramos, 8 rounds, women’s featherweights
Pryce Taylor vs. James Evans, 8 rounds, heavyweights
Savannah Tini vs. Vaida Masiokaite, 8 rounds, women’s junior welterweights
Lance Smith vs. Jorge Omar Vizcarrondo Pacheco, 6 rounds, junior welterweights
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