Claressa Shields is set to defend her undisputed heavyweight championship title in Detroit on February 22, facing off against Franchon Crews-Dezurn at the famed Little Caesars Arena. This event is generating significant excitement in the boxing community, particularly as Shields, age 30, brings an unblemished record into the ring, with 17 professional wins behind her. With each fight, she has solidified her status as one of the most formidable athletes in women’s boxing.
This match is especially compelling because it revisits a past encounter between the two fighters. Shields and Crews-Dezurn first met in 2016, during a time when both were debuting professionally. In their initial clash, Shields emerged victorious by unanimous decision, a testament to her skills and potential. Since that fight, Shields’ career has skyrocketed, culminating in her achievement of becoming the first undisputed champion in women’s boxing. This milestone was attained with a decisive victory over Danielle Perkins earlier this year.
A significant development in Shields’ career came with the announcement of her multi-year contract, reportedly worth $8 million, with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records. This deal is historic, being celebrated as the most lucrative contract in women’s boxing to date. This financial backing illustrates the increasing recognition and investment in female athletes and the sport as a whole, showcasing Shields not just as a champion but as a pivotal figure in advancing women’s boxing.
Renowned for her exceptional credentials, including being a two-time Olympic gold medalist, Claressa Shields carries the title of GWOAT (Greatest Woman of All Time) with pride. Her confidence leading up to the fight is striking; she boldly stated, “I plan on putting Franchon Crews on her back and leaving with the KO.” Shields has openly discussed her past battles with injuries but assures fans she is now at her peak, ready to compete against an elite opponent like Crews-Dezurn. While Shields respects her opponent’s skills, she is determined to prove her own superiority on fight night.
In her last title defense, Shields showcased her abilities with a triumphant bout against Lani Daniels, drawing an impressive crowd of over 15,000 fans in Detroit. The event, held at the vibrant arena shared by the Red Wings and Pistons, emphasized her growing popularity among boxing fans and her ability to attract a significant audience.
On the horizon, unbeaten British welterweight champion Lauren Price has voiced her aspirations of stepping into the ring with Shields in the future. Price, also an Olympic champion, articulated her hopes, saying, “The way I look at it, she’s always been in the back of my mind that I’ll box her one day.” Price’s ambition is to attain undisputed champion status herself before pursuing a bout with Shields. Both athletes share common ground as Olympic gold medallists in the same weight class, leading to speculation about a potential fight occurring at middleweight in the future.
Price’s confidence shines through as she considers what it would take to best Shields. “I think I outbox her with my speed, if I’m honest. I’m just too quick,” she expressed, highlighting her belief in her own capabilities and quickness as an advantage. The dialogue between the two fighters suggests mutual respect, with Price referencing Shields’ previous indications of being willing to fight both her and Natasha Jonas on the same evening, acknowledging her own growth and performance in the sport.
As the February showdown between Shields and Crews-Dezurn draws closer, anticipation continues to build, not only for this match but for the broader implications it holds for the future of women’s boxing. Both athletes are pushing boundaries, representing a new era in female athletics where high-stakes competitions can captivate audiences and inspire the next generation of boxers. As they prepare to face each other, the boxing world will closely watch their journey, eagerly awaiting the potential for future matchups that would further elevate women’s boxing on a global scale.
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