It's time for a highly anticipated rematch, and Franchon Crews-Dezurn is ready to rewrite history! But will she succeed in her quest for redemption?
Back in 2016, Crews-Dezurn and Claressa Shields crossed paths for the first time in their professional careers. It was a significant moment as both fighters made their pro debuts on the undercard of a highly anticipated bout. Shields, fresh from her second Olympic gold medal victory, was on a roll. Meanwhile, Crews-Dezurn, with a solid amateur background, faced a setback, losing a four-round decision.
Fast forward to today, and the boxing world has witnessed the meteoric rise of Shields. She's conquered multiple weight classes, becoming the undisputed champion at middleweight, junior middleweight, and then reclaiming the middleweight throne. Shields didn't stop there; she moved up to light heavyweight, capturing a belt, and now reigns as the undisputed heavyweight champion.
Crews-Dezurn, on the other hand, has her own impressive journey. She became the undisputed queen of the 168-pound division before a loss to Savannah Marshall. Marshall's subsequent belt stripping led to Crews-Dezurn regaining the WBA and WBC titles.
Now, the stage is set for a rematch. Crews-Dezurn, with a record of 10-2 and two knockouts, is determined to prove herself against the undefeated Shields, who boasts a 17-0 record with three knockouts. The fight is scheduled for February 22 in Detroit, a stone's throw from Shields' hometown.
Crews-Dezurn believes this time will be different, stating, "I had time to train." She reflects on their first encounter, where she had just two and a half weeks to prepare. This time, she's coming off a majority decision win over Citlalli Ortiz, a fight she considers one of her worst due to injuries and backstage drama.
And here's where it gets intriguing: Crews-Dezurn recognizes Shields' evolution since their initial meeting. "She's gotten more comfortable as a pro," she acknowledges. But there's a twist! The two fighters actually sparred last year, with Shields inviting Crews-Dezurn to her camp during her transition to heavyweight. A strategic move by Shields, perhaps? Crews-Dezurn isn't fazed, embracing the opportunity to work with a top fighter.
Will Crews-Dezurn's improved training and sparring experience be enough to dethrone the GWOAT? The boxing world awaits with bated breath. And this is the part most fans can't wait to see—a clash of determination and skill. Who will emerge victorious? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below!
