Undisputed Heavyweight World Championship
Claressa Shields vs Franchon Crews-Dezurn:
A Decade Long Rematch February 22nd
Live On DAZN From Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI!
(December 28th) Flint, Michigan’s, Claressa “The GWOAT” Shields, 17-0, 3Ko’s will stake her undisputed championship, fighting Baltimore, Maryland’s “Heavy Hitting Diva” Franchon Crews-Dezurn, 10-2, 2Ko’s, Sunday, February 22nd live on the global leader of boxing, DAZN from Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan.
Shields will defend her Undisputed Heavyweight World Championship for the second time in her first fight since signing a historic $8 million deal with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records – the largest contract in women’s boxing history.
Tickets for the event promoted by Salita Promotions in partnership with Wynn Records and co-promoted by 313 Presents are on sale at 313Presents.com and Ticketmaster.com.
On November 19, 2016, on the undercard of Andre Ward vs Sergey Kovalev, T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, the two decorated amateurs Claressa Shields wo-time Olympic Gold Medalist (2012 and 2016), dominated the amateur scene internationally and Crews-Dezurn built an elite U.S. amateur resume over 12 years, earning eight USA national titles, four Pan American championships, two National PAL wins, and two Olympic alternates faced off against each other in their pro debuts.
Shields winning a 40-36 times three unanimous decision, moved forward launching a career that would redefine women’s boxing. "Following that loss, Crews-Dezurn carved out her own legacy, rising to become the undisputed queen of the super middleweights. Even as they conquered different divisions, the link forged in their first fight remained, with the unfinished business of a rematch hanging perpetually in the air."
Undisputed and unparalleled, Claressa Shields returns home. Known for her technical brilliance and multi-division dominance, Shields doesn't just win—she neutralizes. Her combination of speed and high-level ring IQ has set the gold standard for the sport.
But Franchón Crews-Dezurn isn't coming to play the part of the challenger; she’s coming to reclaim her spot at the top. Bringing elite power and a bruising, high-pressure style, "The Heavy Hitting Diva" intends to break Shields’ rhythm with pure physicality. More than a title fight, this is a legacy-defining rematch between two pioneers who have carried women’s boxing to new heights.
A definitive clash of styles, this fight transcends the belts, pitting Shields’ surgical control and poise against Crews-Dezurn’s unrelenting power and pure determination. While the undisputed titles are at stake, the true weight of the fight is its impact on the sport’s history. Two architects of the modern era are finally settling the score. This is the rematch the world has been waiting for.
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.”
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.
Dmitriy Salita, President, 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.”
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."
About DAZN Group
DAZN Group is one of the fastest growing sports media companies in the world. Headquartered in the UK and with employees in over 25 countries, our businesses touch every aspect of the way fans engage with sports; from production, through to content distribution and commercialization. DAZN Group is home to DAZN, the leading global sport destination, as well as the popular sport portal, DAZN News. DAZN is leading the charge to give sports fans around the world access to sport anytime, anywhere. DAZN guarantees affordable access on most connected devices including smart TVs, set-top boxes, streaming sticks, smartphones, tablets, PCs and game consoles. DAZN is now live in more than 200 countries and territories after first launching in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Japan in 2016.
DAZN is a leading digital sports platform in Italy, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Japan, Canada, US and the UK. Its wide range of exclusive content includes top-flight football from the world’s most popular competitions – Bundesliga, English Premier League, J.League, LaLiga, Serie A, and the UEFA Champions League, in addition to the biggest sports from around the world - Formula 1, NFL, NBA, MotoGP and the UFC.
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Wynn Records: A premier full-service talent and music agency dedicated to discovering, developing, and representing top-tier artists, entertainers, and athletes. We specialize in artist development and management, brand partnerships, music distribution and publishing, tour development and financing, marketing and more. Ensuring our clients reach their full potential in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape is top priority.
With a deep understanding of music administration and metadata management, digital marketing, licensing & sync, and industry trends, we provide strategic career guidance, contract negotiation, and business development services tailored to the unique needs of our roster.
Our company thrives on innovation, integrity, and long-term growth, helping our clients build sustainable, global careers.
By leveraging key industry partnerships, cutting-edge technology, and a network of top entertainment professionals, Wynn Records bridges the gap between creative talent and business success—empowering artists, creatives, and athletes to maximize their visibility, revenue, and industry influence with confidence.
About 313 Presents: 313 Presents is Detroit’s premier live entertainment company. Inspired by the soul of Detroit, 313 Presents promotes and produces concerts, theatrical productions, sporting events and family shows at six world-class venues across southeast Michigan including Little Caesars Arena, the historic Fox Theatre featuring Proud Partner Comerica Bank, Comerica Park, Pine Knob Music Theatre Presented by Proud Partners United Wholesale Mortgage, Trinity Health and Ally, Meadow Brook Amphitheatre Presented by Proud Partner Oakland University Credit Union and Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre. Headquartered in The District Detroit, 313 Presents is a joint venture between Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and Pistons Sports & Entertainment. For additional information, visit 313Presents.com.
Salita Promotions: Founded in 2010 by former world-title challenger Dmitriy Salita, Salita Promotions has evolved from a grassroots endeavor into a powerhouse of the American boxing landscape. Born from Salita’s firsthand experience in the ring, the company was built on a singular mission: to provide a bridge for elite prospects to cross over into world championship status. Over the last decade, the firm has become synonymous with the "renaissance" of the sport in the Midwest, particularly in the boxing stronghold of Detroit.
Salita’s reputation is rooted in an uncanny ability to identify raw potential and curate it for the global stage. The promotional house famously steered the careers of heavyweight contenders Jarrell Miller and Otto Wallin, elevating them from regional prospects to headliners in some of the division's biggest international clashes. Today, the company continues this tradition through Big Time Boxing USA, a developmental series broadcast on DAZN. The platform has filled a critical industry void, providing rising stars with the television exposure and high-level opposition necessary to build a sustainable fanbase.
Perhaps Salita’s most enduring legacy is its role as the premier advocate for women’s boxing. By signing and meticulously promoting Claressa "The GWOAT" Shields, the company didn't just manage an athlete; it moved an entire industry. Salita was instrumental in securing historic, multi-million dollar deals for Shields, including the groundbreaking 2025 partnership with Wynn Records. This $8 million venture represents a new industry model, fusing high-stakes pugilism with music and mainstream culture to amplify the profiles of female fighters beyond the traditional sports pages.
Beyond the ring, Salita Promotions is a leader in media-forward strategy. By leveraging strategic partnerships and a robust digital presence, the company ensures its fighters remain culturally relevant in an era of rapidly changing media consumption. Whether revitalizing historic venues like Detroit’s Fox Theatre or launching innovative cross-industry collaborations, the firm remains committed to expanding the sport’s visibility.
Today, Salita Promotions stands as a testament to the power of a "fighter-first" philosophy. With a diverse roster spanning multiple weight classes and a commitment to the growth of the global boxing community, Dmitriy Salita continues to prove that with the right platform, any prospect can become a pioneer.