When Claressa “The GWOAT” Shields walks into Little Caesars Arena on Feb. 22, 2026, she won’t just be defending her undisputed heavyweight crown. She’ll be stepping back into a story that began nearly a decade ago — one that shaped two champions, launched two careers, and left one question lingering: What would happen if they ever did it again?
Detroit’s own undefeated superstar (17-0, 3 KOs) is coming home for a rematch with Franchon Crews-Dezurn (10-2, 2 KOs), the opponent who met her in both of their professional debuts on Nov. 19, 2016.
Their first clash, tucked beneath Andre Ward vs. Sergey Kovalev, was a symbolic passing of the torch from one Olympian generation to the next. Shields entered that night fresh off two Olympic golds — the first American boxer, male or female, ever to achieve the feat. She won that bout, launching a pro career that would redefine women’s boxing.
Crews-Dezurn, though, didn’t fade. She rebuilt, rose, and eventually became an undisputed champion at Super Middleweight. Their paths diverged, but the rivalry never dissolved.
Now, Shields returns to the city that has embraced her as its own, fresh off signing an unprecedented $8 million deal with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records, which is the largest contract in women’s boxing history. Her second title defense since becoming undisputed brings her back to the same arena she sold out in her last Detroit appearance.
“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.”
For Shields, returning to Detroit is personal.
“I’m honored to return to Detroit to defend my undisputed heavyweight world championship,” she 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.”
This time, she says she’s arriving fully healthy and fully ready.
“In my first fight with Franchon I won a unanimous decision, but come February 22, I don’t have those same plans. 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,” she said.
Crews-Dezurn says she’s ready too, and she’s eager to step into Shields’ hometown spotlight.
“I’ve been waiting and working a long time for this moment, and we finally meet again,” she said. “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 promoter Dmitriy Salita, who worked Shields’ debut back in 2016, the rematch feels like a full-circle moment for both women and for the sport.
“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,” he said. “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.”
Salita says the partnership with Wynn Records has opened unprecedented doors for Shields.
“Our partnership with Wynn Records allows us to amplify Claressa’s reach and bring this historic moment to fans around the world,” he 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.”
Wynn Records executives echoed that sentiment.
“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, Shields’ manager and fiancé, added: “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.”
Detroit is ready, too.
“Claressa Shields is…the heartbeat of Detroit boxing,” said Howard Handler, president of 313 Presents. “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.”
Tickets go on sale Friday, Dec. 12 at 10 a.m., with a pre-sale beginning Dec. 11 for fans using the code GWOAT. The event streams live on DAZN, with doors opening at 4 p.m.
For Shields, it’s a homecoming. For Crews-Dezurn, it’s a chance at redemption. For Detroit, it’s a night to witness women’s boxing history rewritten from where it all began for these two fighters.
