Shields Dominates Crews-Dezurn, Retains Heavyweight Titles Post-Brawl

As Mikaela Mayer joined the DAZN commentary team, analysts frequently suggested a potential Shields vs. Mayer showdown during the evening. However, Shields indicated that Mayer represents only one of three potential matchups. Regarding Mayer, Shields expressed her belief that such a fight is approaching, but also stated she would “eagerly compete against Shadasia [Green]. She weighs 168 [pounds], and I would descend to that weight to face her. Franchon still holds titles at 168. Thus, a third encounter between Shields and Crews-Dezurn is also possible!” She concluded by affirming her readiness to fight Mayer as well, stating, “without a doubt.”

“I felt compelled to proceed cautiously,” Shields remarked. “Franchon delivers powerful blows, she’s resilient, and one must employ cunning tactics against her. She was attempting to secure an unexpected victory. She is known as the hard-hitting diva, and this ranks among the finest bouts I’ve participated in. I had to be vigilant throughout every round.” Shields further stated: “My objective was to ascertain her timing, her jab. Franchon possesses an excellent lead punch. When she extends it, her right hand follows. Yet, I demonstrated my abilities, including body shots. She simply refused to yield. I anticipated her weakening in Round 6 or 7. Perhaps I didn’t land enough punches in 8 or 9. I am capable of soundly defeating these opponents. I strive diligently for the knockout. I appreciate all of you.”

The adjudicators concur… Each of the three judges awarded scores of 100-90 to the victor, AND REMAINS!!! THE G.W.O.A.T. — Claressa Shields. Her record now stands at 18-0 (3 knockouts).

Shields tapped her gloves together, signaling readiness to engage, reminiscent of Max Holloway’s gesture before his decisive victory over Justin Gaethje. Shields continued to strike Crews-Dezurn relentlessly. While not entirely one-sided, Crews-Dezurn’s return punches lacked significant impact. Shields pushed for an active finish. After the final bell, Shields appeared to offer a glove tap, but they began conversing, suggesting the rivalry might not be fully resolved. Shields then extended an arm towards her… and they eventually hugged. Mutual respect emerged! Round 10: 99-91 — Shields

During the commentary, Mikaela Mayer highlighted that Crews-Dezurn’s early competitive edge diminished partly due to her insufficient movement, as she remained predominantly in the ring’s center and rarely approached the ropes. This stationary position enabled Shields to selectively land punches and dismantle her opponent. It is plausible that her lack of movement stemmed largely from fatigue. Round 9: 89-82 — Shields

Shields moved rhythmically to the music between rounds, adopting a strategy akin to George Foreman’s refusal to sit, as if requiring no respite. Crews-Dezurn attempted body jabs but failed to connect with hooks. Shields, repeatedly, unleashed barrages of punches. Her jab, left, right, spatial awareness, and quickness were consistently precise. Crews-Dezurn returned to her corner stool with bleeding from her mouth. Round 8: 79-73 — Shields

Following Shields’ jabs, her right hand frequently failed to connect—a recurring miss throughout the contest. A close-range combination of three punches landed a powerful blow to Crews-Dezurn’s jaw. Her mouth appeared so vulnerable that a potential fracture from Shields’ strikes seemed plausible. Shields maintained an impressive rhythm. The bout had become methodical, and she had effectively controlled it for a considerable period. Shields seemed capable of fighting for 12 rounds, with 10 proving relatively effortless. Round 7: 69-64 — Shields

Shields’ jab has become POWERFUL! She then delivered a flurry of right and left punches! Crews-Dezurn found herself in PERIL during the sixth round! This was the challenger’s weakest showing in the entire fight! Her stamina, depleted from the initial two rounds, left her without any renewed vigor. Shields, conversely, exhibited significantly superior conditioning, fighting akin to David Benavidez, who begins strongly and intensifies his efforts with each passing round, compelling his adversary into a difficult surrender. Round 6: 59-55 — Shields

Crews-Dezurn evaded repeated hooks from Shields, but the champion connected with an overhand punch shortly thereafter. The challenger attempted body strikes but was struck forcefully on the jaw by one of Shields’ most effective punches of the evening. Shields executed a notable sequence in the fifth round, comprising a wide, anticipated right hand followed by a precise, close-quarters left uppercut, which found its mark. Round 5: 49-46 — Shields

The primary concern now is that Crews-Dezurn’s face displays signs of damage, and her punching technique has devolved into something akin to a pushing motion. Shields landed a right-hand counter and delivered three-punch combinations, enjoying control of the ring’s center. Shields already exhibited the combat style and mobility of someone possessing the stamina to endure any fight. She threw another three-punch combination, though it was disrupted by a right hook from Crews-Dezurn. Round 4: 39-37 — Shields

Franchon frequently utilized a lead jab, complementing it with a counter one-two. While possessing skill, in this particular contest, she adopted a more aggressive, slugging approach, whereas Shields employed a blend of technical refinement and close-quarters brawling. Neither combatant retreated from the confrontation. Both were already breathing heavily! Round 3: 29-28 — Shields

Crews-Dezurn once again forced Shields against the ropes early in the round. Claressa was compelled to retaliate, and she did! A barrage of continuous punches pushed Crews-Dezurn backward. Shields ducked to evade a strike. Crews-Dezurn’s hand speed was noticeably inferior to Shields’. Franchon concluded the round with a jab and an overhand strike. This bout has been engaging for spectators thus far! Round 2: 19-19

Crews-Dezurn pinned Shields into the red corner, and they immediately began exchanging blows! There was clearly no affection between them—and it seemed improbable they could sustain such intensity for the entire duration. Nevertheless, these close-range exchanges were demanding and relentless! It’s worth noting that Crews-Dezurn initiated most of them, employing an effective tactic to test the champion’s composure. Crews-Dezurn launched another flurry. Shields, however, showed minimal damage, content to choose her targets and land her jab on her challenger’s face. Shields possessed quicker hands. An exhilarating opener! Round 1: 10-9 — Crews-Dezurn

Spectators raised their mobile phones, swaying to the rhythm of “The Champ is Here,” accompanied by intricate drumming and cymbal crashes. A radiant smile, considered among boxing’s most captivating, now graced Claressa Shields’ countenance. The moment arrived! She rapped along with the audience members, as her retinue and Boozy Badass escorted her to the squared circle.

She relaxed during her procession to the ring, singing and making gestures. She appeared prepared, as Corey Erdman noted during the DAZN broadcast that she had preceded Shields in amateur boxing, suffered a debut loss to Shields in the professional circuit, but now demonstrated the capacity to inflict damage, as evidenced by her performances against Maricela Cornejo and Shadasia Green, following her defeat to Savannah Marshall.

Remarkable attire was on display at Little Caesars Arena, ranging from the attire worn by the main event combatants upon their entrance, to the Mayor of Detroit, and the performer of the national anthem.

I foresee a repeat victory for Shields over a revenge win for Crews-Dezurn. This moment belongs to her; she possesses one of the most exceptional skill sets in all of women’s boxing. She is competing before an audience of 18,000, benefiting from new collaborations. Everything is aligning for her, facing an opponent she has already defeated. Although her opponent has refined her abilities and claimed titles since their last encounter, she is 38 years old—eight years Shields’s elder. The most compelling aspect of this matchup, for me, is the tumultuous altercation at the weigh-in. It intensifies the stakes of the fight, as they exchanged words on X today, and both boxers will need to approach the bout rationally, rather than emotionally. A task often easier conceived than accomplished, however. I eagerly anticipate witnessing the entire event unfold.

“I have not [witnessed anything quite like that],” commented pound-for-pound boxer Mikaela Mayer during the DAZN transmission. “I’ve observed a delayed fall. He took his seat on the stool, then toppled off. Highly delayed. Commendations to George, for his respect towards his adversary.” “One hopes George is well. My only conjecture is a problematic weight reduction, or inadequate nourishment. And any [blow to the head] can induce injury [in a dehydrated state].”

“I was conscious of my defensive duties; if he had fallen forward and a head collision occurred, I simply know I evaded the strike,” Oberlton conveyed to DAZN’s Chris Mannix. “I am relieved he regained his footing and is unharmed.” “Should he desire a rematch, we are able to accommodate.” “I am merely pleased that he is alright. I expressed to him, ‘I have affection for you, brother,’ and sought assurance of his well-being.”

However, the audience remained silent. Completely. It seems everyone was still in disbelief.