### Claressa Shields Set to Defend Undisputed Heavyweight Title Against Franchon Crews-Dezurn in Detroit Claressa Shields, the undefeated undisputed heavyweight champion, is scheduled to defend her title against Franchon Crews-Dezurn on February 22, 2026, at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. This fight marks Shields' first bout following a significant $8 million multi-fight promotional deal, and it serves as a rematch from their initial encounter in 2016, where Shields emerged victorious by unanimous decision [https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12040/13481673/claressa-shields-to-defend-undisputed-heavyweight-crown-against-franchon-crews-dezurn-in-detroit-early-next-year][https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/shields-defend-undisputed-heavyweight-crown-against-crews-dezurn-5572181]. ### Overview of the Upcoming Fight and Its Context 1. **Fight Details**: - Date: February 22, 2026 - Location: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit - Title: Undisputed Heavyweight Championship 2. **Fighter Backgrounds**: - **Claressa Shields**: - Record: 17-0 (3 KOs) - Achievements: First boxer to become undisputed in three weight classes (junior middleweight, middleweight, heavyweight) [https://www.yardbarker.com/boxing/articles/claressa_shields_next_fight_announced/s1_17349_43184584]. - **Franchon Crews-Dezurn**: - Record: 10-2 (2 KOs) - Achievements: First undisputed champion in the super middleweight division [https://www.boxing247.com/boxing-news/claressa-shields-vs-franchon-crews-dezurn-rematch/299021]. 3. **Significance of the Fight**: - This bout is not only a rematch but also a pivotal moment for Shields as she embarks on her new promotional journey. It highlights her status as a leading figure in women's boxing and her ability to draw significant attention to the sport [https://www.freedom969.com/national-sports/boxing-shields-to-defend-undisputed-heavyweight-crown-against-crews-dezurn]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Shields' Previous Performance**: - Last defended her title successfully against Lani Daniels in July 2025 [https://www.apnews.com/article/claressa-shields-boxing-efbbfb1dc17d74a8626620cb48531637]. - Notable for her historic achievements in boxing, including two Olympic gold medals. - **Crews-Dezurn's Rise**: - Transitioning from super middleweight to heavyweight, showcasing her ambition and versatility in the sport [https://www.badlefthook.com/boxing-news/111968/claressa-shields-vs-franchon-crews-dezurn-rematch-official-for-february]. ### Conclusion: Anticipation for the Rematch **The upcoming rematch between Claressa Shields and Franchon Crews-Dezurn is set to be a landmark event in women's boxing.** 1. **Historical Context**: This fight revisits a rivalry that began nearly a decade ago, with both fighters having achieved significant success since their first meeting. 2. **Promotional Impact**: Shields' new $8 million deal underscores her marketability and the growing interest in women's boxing. 3. **Competitive Edge**: Both fighters are coming off recent victories, promising an exciting and competitive bout. As the date approaches, the boxing community eagerly anticipates this clash of champions, which not only highlights their individual talents but also the evolution of women's boxing as a whole [https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/47257374/shields-defend-undisputed-heavyweight-crown-vs-crews-dezurn][https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/dec/09/claressa-shields-franchon-crews-dezurn-rematch-detroit].