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Claressa Shields Dominates Franchon Crews-Dezurn, Retains
Undisputed Heavyweight Crown
The Undisputed Heavyweight Champion Claressa “The GWOAT”
Shields (18-0, 3 KOs) delivered a commanding, masterclass
performance over longtime rival Franchon Crews-Dezurn
(10-3-2) to retain her Undisputed Heavyweight crown via
10-round unanimous decision Sunday night live on DAZN.
The event promoted by Salita Promotions in partnership with
Wynn Records, co-promoted by 313 Presents, and sponsored by
ZEUS Networks, Tuff Shed, M Select Hydration, BetOnline, and
OnlyFans, was a star-studded evening in front of a packed
house of nearly 18,000 roaring fans at Little Caesars Arena.
The championship headliner capped a stacked telecast that
featured light heavyweight standout Atif Oberlton (15-0, 13
KO’s) scoring a first-round TKO stoppage after his opponent
was forced to quit on the stool, to retain his WBA
Continental USA title and capture the US Continental WBC
strap, Danielle Perkins (6-1, 3 KO’s) claiming the WBA Light
Heavyweight World Title with a sixth-round KO, and unbeaten
heavyweight Pryce Taylor (11-0, 7 KO’s) delivering a
statement TKO victory, underscoring a night that blended
championship stakes, explosive finishes, and Detroit
fight-night energy from top to bottom.
From the opening bell, the rematch erupted into immediate,
high-level warfare, two champions meeting center ring with
vengeance, pride and undisputed gold on the line. Franchon
Crews-Dezurn forced Claressa Shields to fight from the first
second, setting a relentless tempo and refusing to give
ground, proving herself a worthy dance partner on the
sport’s biggest stage. Shields, however, proved to be the
sharper technician and ultimately the better dancer,
establishing control behind a piston-like jab and punishing
left hook that repeatedly split Crews-Dezurn’s guard. By the
second round, Shields’ punch output was already creating
visible damage, yet Crews-Dezurn continued pressing forward,
answering exchanges and keeping the fight fiercely
competitive.
As the bout progressed, Shields’ comfort at heavyweight
became increasingly evident, she unleashed rapid-fire
combinations in eight- and nine-punch bursts, surpassing 100
power punches landed by the fourth round. Still, Crews-Dezurn’s
resilience never wavered; bloodied but unbowed, she forced
Shields to dig deep and earn every round. Shields’
conditioning and ring generalship ultimately proved
decisive, as she managed her breathing, controlled distance,
and invested steadily to the body before closing strong in
the championship rounds. When the final bell sounded, both
women stood toe-to-toe one last time before embracing, a
mutual acknowledgement and respect for another, of a
fiercely competitive battle that instantly felt like a
Detroit classic.
Judges scored the bout 100-90 across the board.
“This fight felt like I took my time,” said Shields.
“Franchon is tough, she really is the Heavy Hitting Diva.
This was the best fight I’ve ever fought in my career. I
have real love for Franchon and I don’t have any hate in me
for her, ever. I showcased my skill tonight. I want to thank
all 18,000 fans that came out tonight. I want to thank my
team, my coaches and everyone who was part of this victory.”
“I’ve always had real love and respect for Claressa,” said
Crews-Dezurn. “We’ve shared the ring more than once, and
that means something. Whenever the call comes, I’m always
going to step up and take the fight, that’s who I am. I put
everything on the line tonight, and I truly believe fights
like this push women’s boxing forward. We’re showing the
world what’s possible. Before I leave this sport, I’m going
to make sure I leave my mark on it, and tonight proved
that.”
With the win, Shields continues building on a historic
résumé as the first boxer — male or female — to hold
undisputed status in three weight divisions. Saturday’s
performance showcased not just power, but maturity, pacing,
and elite-level conditioning.
In the co-main event, rising light heavyweight standout Atif
Oberlton delivered a first-round stoppage over Joseph George
Jr., earning a TKO/retirement victory after a punishing
opening frame. Oberlton came out sharp and aggressive,
pressing the action early and forcing George to absorb heavy
shots in close quarters. Following the round, George
collapsed on his stool in a frightening moment that
immediately drew concern from the arena. Medical personnel
responded swiftly, and George was assisted from the ring
before being transported for evaluation. He was later
reported to be in stable condition.
Salita Promotions President Dmitriy Salita praised
Oberlton’s trajectory while expressing concern for George.
“Atif is a superstar in the making. His walkout, his
personality, it shines through the screens and to the fans,”
said Salita. “Unfortunately, we wish his opponent well, and
from what I understand, he’s okay. The fight didn’t go as
long as we anticipated, so Atif didn’t get to showcase all
his skills to the world. But I believe he’s just a fight or
two away from being recognized as a real force in the
division.”
Salita also highlighted the statement victory by Danielle
Perkins, who delivered a dramatic knockout to capture the
WBA Light Heavyweight World Title earlier in the night.
“What a great performance by Danielle Perkins. She cemented
herself as one of the biggest names in women’s boxing, that
was an exciting knockout,” Salita said. “She fits right in
with the top names like Shadasia Green, Savannah Marshall,
Raquel Miller and Franchon Crews-Dezurn. She’s talented,
determined, and now a great world champion.”
Reflecting on the magnitude of the event, Salita called the
night historic for both Detroit and the sport.
“Big time boxing is back in the city of Detroit. Tonight was
absolutely historic for women’s boxing, maybe the biggest
ever, with celebrities, athletes, politicians and fans
supporting an undisputed heavyweight world title fight in
one of the most prestigious arenas in the United States. The
fight was epic, two future Hall of Famers putting it all on
the line. Claressa Shields believed in herself before
women’s boxing was a business. She became a two-time Olympic
gold medalist and now she’s selling out arenas.”
The DAZN telecast featured explosive action across multiple
divisions:
Danielle Perkins (6-1, 3 KO’s) delivered a sixth-round
knockout of Che Kenneally to claim the WBA Light Heavyweight
World Title.
Heavyweight contender Pryce Taylor (11-0, 7 KO’s) stopped
James Evans in five rounds to remain unbeaten.
The ZEUS Network telecast delivered non-stop action
featuring boxing’s next generation of talent:
Edith Matthysse (21-16-1, 4 KOs) upset Samantha Worthington
(12-1, 7 KOs). Worthington retired on her stool after Round
8, surrendering her interim title.
Flint native, Sardius Simmons (6-0, 4 KO’s) def. Dylan
Potter — Unanimous decision (40-36 across the board) in a
four-round heavyweight bout.
Michigan’s Lance Smith (6-0, 5 KO’s) def. Jorge Omar
Vizcarrondo Pacheco — TKO (Round 3).
Jasmine Hampton (2-0, 2 KO’s) def. Agustina Solange Vazquez
— TKO (Round 5).
Savannah Tini def. Vaida Masiokaite — Unanimous decision.
Jaquan McElroy (5-0, 2 KO’s) def. Andre Johnson — Unanimous
decision.
Shannel Butler (7-0, 3 KO’s) def. Danila Ramos to become the
new WBC International Featherweight Champion by Unanimous
Decision.
Saturday’s event reinforced Detroit’s place as a thriving
boxing hub and underscored Shields’ ability to not only
headline but elevate an entire card. With live performances,
celebrities in attendance and a fight performance that
blended violence with virtuosity, Shields once again proved
why she calls herself “The GWOAT” and why she is can’t-miss
TV.
Howard Handler, President of 313 Presents, expressed his
excitement for the success of the event.
"Tonight was everything we hoped for and more. A sold‑out,
electric crowd witnessed two of the very best in the sport
leave it all in the ring, and Claressa Shields and Franchon
Crews‑Dezurn delivered a fight worthy of this stage," said
313 Presents President Howard Handler.
"Detroit showed once again that it’s a world‑class fight
city, and partnering with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records
to create nights like this reminds us how powerful live
sports can be for the city and its legacy.”
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