Claressa Shields successfully defended her undisputed heavyweight championship Sunday night, earning a dominant unanimous decision over longtime rival Franchon Crews-Dezurn in front of a packed crowd at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena.

All three judges scored the 10-round bout 100-90 in favor of Shields, who improved her professional record to 18-0. Crews-Dezurn, a current super middleweight titleholder, fell to 10-3 but earned praise for a gritty and competitive performance.

The matchup marked a highly anticipated rematch nearly a decade in the making. The two first met in 2016 in their professional debuts, when Shields claimed a four-round decision victory. Before turning pro, they had built a rivalry in the amateur ranks, pushing each other as they climbed through women’s boxing.

From the opening bell, both fighters lived up to their promise of delivering an entertaining contest. Crews-Dezurn came out aggressively in the early rounds, unleashing combinations and attempting to unsettle Shields. But as the fight progressed, Shields adjusted her strategy, relying on precise jabs and timing to control the pace. By the middle rounds, the Flint, Michigan native began to pull away on the scorecards, gradually wearing down her opponent.

Despite the wide margins on the official cards, Shields acknowledged the challenge. She described Crews-Dezurn as powerful and resilient, admitting she had to remain cautious throughout the fight. Shields even suggested her opponent may have taken a couple of rounds, underscoring how competitive the exchanges felt inside the ring.

The bout drew more than 17,000 fans and a host of celebrity attendees, including boxing champion Terence Crawford and several entertainers. Rapper Lil Boosie accompanied Shields during her ring walk, adding to the event’s high-energy atmosphere.

After 10 hard-fought rounds, the rivals embraced at center ring, a show of mutual respect following years of competition. Crews-Dezurn later spoke about how Shields has motivated her career, saying their rivalry has always fueled her drive rather than created resentment.

The win marked Shields’ second successful defense of the heavyweight crown she captured in February 2025 with a victory over Danielle Perkins. Widely regarded as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in women’s boxing, Shields continues to cement her legacy across multiple weight classes.

Looking ahead, Shields outlined ambitious plans. She expressed interest in facing Shadasia Green next and possibly arranging a catchweight bout with Mikaela Mayer at around 162 or 163 pounds. Beyond future fights, Shields also shared personal aspirations, indicating she may step away from boxing in 2027 to focus on starting a family.

For now, Shields remains firmly at the top of the heavyweight division. Her latest victory not only reinforces her dominance but also highlights the growing excitement and depth within women’s boxing, as two elite competitors delivered a compelling championship showdown on one of the sport’s biggest stages.