Claressa Shields Speaks Out On Franchon Crews-Dezurn Rematch After Weigh-In Brawl

The fight will go on as scheduled.

Claressa Shields and Franchon Crews-Dezurn had a pre-match brawl ahead of their heavily-anticipated Feb. 22 rematch at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

Tensions came to a peak during the traditional face-off. The women then became physical. The Shade Room showed some video snippets of the melee.

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Crews-Dezurn literally butted heads with Shields, prompting the heavyweight champion to shove her in response. Then members from both fighters’ camps jumped in. A security guard jumped onstage to hold back Crew-Dezurn, resulting in her husband jumping in to stop the guard from holding her.

After things on the main stage cooled down, another mini-fight sparked backstage, leaving Crews-Dezurn in the middle of the action. While Shields broke away from the scuffle, Crews-Dezurn reportedly suffered from a rolled ankle and swollen knee.

The injuries led many to wonder whether or not the Sunday fight would proceed. Shields also shared her thoughts on the matter, alleging Crews-Dezurn sought to throw the fight out of fear. Shields also broke down her account of what happened, denying claims that she set up the altercation.

And let’s be clear! Boxers get into it with each other all the time at weigh-ins! To make it seem like a set up is crazy! 3 things happened yesterday when we faced off
1. FRANCHON Brim of her 🧢 hit me in the in the head first,
2. She took the hat off and our foreheads on each…
— Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) February 22, 2026

“And let’s be clear,” asserted Shields. “Boxers get into it with each other all the time at weigh-ins! To make it seem like a set up is crazy!”

Crews-Dezurn matched Shields’ Twitter fingers, calling the boxer a liar. The two began to spar online over what led to the brawl.

“Pap sent” Pap ain’t did shit! No one attacked nobody from your side. You do know the video shows your gang member hitting one of wynns people from the back? Igniting a whole brawl. Girl. You crazy. Me & Pap & all my olives 🫒 stayed in the same spot the entire time. https://t.co/pz7I59dC2q
— Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) February 22, 2026

“No one attacked nobody from your side,” responded Shields. “You do know the video shows your gang member hitting one of wynn [hotel]’s people from the back? Igniting a whole brawl. Girl. You crazy. Me & Pap & all my olives stayed in the same spot the entire time.”

Despite Crews-Dezurn’s injuries and their online beef, Shields confirmed that the fight would go on.