Boxing
Claressa Shields vs. Franchon Crews-Dezurn 2: Who has the edge heading into their fight?
Shields vs.Crews-Dezurn II - Subscribe to watch
Tension boiled over during Saturday’s weigh-in when Claressa Shields shoved Franchon Crews-Dezurn across the stage, sparking a bit of a fracas.
That intensity will explode Sunday night when Shields puts her undisputed heavyweight championship of the world on the line against Crews-Dezurn at Little Caesar’s Arena in Detroit, Michigan, and live and exclusively on DAZN. The bout marks a highly-anticipated rematch from their professional debut in November 2016 when Shields produced a four-round unanimous decision over Crews-Dezurn.
Nearly 10 years later, Shields (17-0, 3 KOs) has carved out an indelible legacy, becoming the first boxer — male or female — to reign as undisputed world champion in three different weight classes in a feat only followed by Terence Crawford. Shields is coming off a dominant unanimous decision over Lani Daniels in July.
Meanwhile, Crews-Dezurn (10-2, 2 KOs) also has built an impressive resume as the current unified WBA and WBC super middleweight world champion and former undisputed ruler over the division. She produced a majority decision over Citlalli Ortiz in June.
Will Shields continue her superior run of dominance with yet another lopsided victory? Or will Crews-Dezurn devise a way to earn a career-defining win and shocking upset? DAZN News examines who has the edge between the two fighters entering their rematch in this undisputed championship tilt.
Boxing Styles
Behind a cautious, yet curious guard, Claressa Shields stalks forward off the front foot and cuts off the ring masterfully against opponents, especially since joining the heavyweight division.
Once she has opponents trapped in cramped quarters, Shields detonates big right hands. These shots could come in the form of looping punches, overhand rights or laser-beam straights — all doing damage.
Shields’ complete package of boxer-puncher skills will be up against Franchon Crews-Dezurn’s persistent, scrappy style.
Both styles are effective and fan-pleasing, though Shields is in such a zone that she gets the nod here.
Edge: Shields
Power
In three heavyweight fights, Shields has produced four knockdowns and one knockout in an absolute power surge. The GWOAT’s power punching is peaking in a force that Crews-Dezurn is going to have to deal with in real time Sunday.
Crews-Dezurn has punching power of her own, but this marks her first bout at heavyweight where Shields is deeply settled and thriving.
Edge: Shields
Mental Warfare
Be clear — Crews-Dezurn is one of the best fighters in women’s boxing history with a Hall of Fame ledger to prove it. ‘The Heavy Hitting Diva’ is not the same fighter who lost to Shields nearly 10 years ago.
That said, Shields is a generational talent with the accolades to support her GWOAT status. That comes with a wave of confidence.
Until someone is able to put dents in her armor, Shields’ mental warfare edge should remain steely and undeterred.
Edge: Shields
Who has the edge in Shields vs. Crews-Dezurn 2?
DAZN News has the 3-0 edge residing with Shields, but fully expects a competitive affair Sunday night in Detroit.
3 fight nights, 1 unmissable weekend - only on DAZN
Watch three amazing fights this weekend - Feb 21-22 - exclusively on DAZN. It's Barrios vs. Garcia for the WBC welterweight title on PPV; with Wood vs. Warrington II, and Shields vs. Crews-Dezurn II on DAZN subscription. Get all three all included with DAZN Ultimate Tier.
