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The promotion for one of the biggest fights in women’s boxing officially got underway Tuesday afternoon at The EDITION Times Square, where Claressa “The GWOAT” Shields (17-0, 3KO’s) and Franchon “The Heavy Hitting Diva” Crews-Dezurn (10-2, 2 KO’s) shared the stage for a kickoff press conference that set a serious tone for what’s to come. With championship belts on display and history front and center, both fighters spoke candidly, exchanged pointed words, and made it clear this matchup is about more than an undisputed title — it’s about legacy.
Shields and Crews-Dezurn will square off on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, in an Undisputed Heavyweight World Championship bout and will stream live on the global leader of boxing, DAZN. The fight marks Shields’ first appearance since signing her landmark $8 million deal with Wynn Records and Salita Promotions, the largest contract ever awarded to a female boxer, and her return to Little Caesars Arena following a sold-out event on July 27, 2025.
The event is promoted by Salita Promotions in partnership with Wynn Records and co-promoted by 313 Presents. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased at 313Presents.com and Ticketmaster.com.
Hosted by Cigar Talk’s Naji Grampus, the conference brought together voices from boxing, music, and culture, including New York music legend and Executive at Wynn Records Papoose, Wynn Records Founder & CEO Ruben Branson, and Salita Promotions President Dmitriy Salita. The discussion highlighted the magnitude of the moment, as two undisputed champions prepared to meet again with everything on the line.
DMITRIY SALITA, PRESIDENT OF SALITA PROMOTIONS
“This fight represents the very highest level of women’s boxing. Claressa Shields has accomplished what no man or woman has ever done, becoming a three-division world champion faster than anyone in the sport’s history. Both Claressa and Franchon have reached undisputed status in their careers, capturing every major belt along with The Ring title. When fighters of this caliber meet, it’s not manufactured, it’s earned.”
“We’re returning to the biggest venue at Little Caesars to bring the biggest fight in women’s boxing on Sunday, February 22, and I promise it will deliver fireworks. The Undisputed Heavyweight World Championship, especially when held by an American, is one of the most coveted prizes in all of sports. And when that championship is contested by two bona fide American champions, the entire world stops and pays attention.”
Shields, whose career has been defined by facing the best across multiple divisions, welcomed the moment of facing Crews-Dezurn in a high-stakes matchup.
CLARESSA SHIELDS, UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION
“This is the kind of fight the sport needs,” Shields said. “This is the Laila Ali versus Ann Wolfe fight that the world never got.”
“Franchon is sitting here right now because she’s the best. She is a heavy hitter, she’s hit me harder than anybody, man or woman. She has a mean right hand. She’s not somebody you take a fight with it, then go training camp and fuck around. I respect the hell out of her but I want to put her on her back! Not that I hate her, I just handle business when I get in the ring, I don’t care who’s in front of me. I get in there and walk these girls down.”
FRANCHON CREWS-DEZURN, UNDISPUTED SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION
“I’m one of them ones, the last dying breeds, and I fight everything. Everything I do is to preserve women’s boxing and to be competitive just like the men. Clarissa Shields is one of the best dance partners to have, because she’s passionate about putting on good fights, tough fights, and making sure people know it’s not just a woman’s fight its going to be a great fight.”
“That’s why we have so much respect for each other because it’s never been a situation where I got my ass whooped and I’m walking with my tail tucked between my legs. It’s always been a fight. I’ve been on her ass since then. I’m on her ass now, and y’all should be thanking me because people like me, keep her where she needs to be.”
PAPOOSE, EXECUTIVE AT WYNN RECORDS
“I’m a die hard boxing fan, fanatic, I’m not a casual. Normally when fights get announced, sometimes you get people that’s disappointed. But I got to say, when we announced this fight, Franchon versus the GWOAT, Claressa Shields, nobody was disappointed.”
“I can’t reveal what’s planned, just know we have no problem getting butts in seats and this fight is no different. Bringing all of these entities together is only going to bring bigger fights and moments. If you don’t have your tickets yet, I don’t know what’s wrong with you because this is going to be a sell out!”
RUBEN BRANSON, FOUNDER AND CEO OF WYNN RECORDS
“Claressa’s has been Wynn Records best investment. Her core values and important when we approach investments of this magnitude. Her ability to impact the next generation is impressive, watching children come up to her and thank her for being who she is and admit she’s their role model is what makes a true leader in the sport, and I’m excited to see her legacy continue February 22 at Little Caesars Arena.
With two champions, a storied rivalry, and undisputed status on the line, Shields vs. Crews-Dezurn stands as a defining moment for women’s boxing, a fight built on achievement, competitiveness, and respect.
