Claressa Shields (17-0, 3 KOs) will soon defend her undisputed heavyweight world championship in a rematch against Franchón Crews-Dezurn (10-2, 2 KOs, 1 NC).
Their bout headlines a card promoted by Salita Promotions and 313 Presents in partnership with Wynn Records at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, MI. Fight fans around the world can catch the action live on DAZN. A portion of the undercard will be broadcast on Zeus Network.
Both women spoke at a press conference ahead of their Feb. 22 rematch. Below is some of what they had to say.
Claressa Shields vs. Franchón Crews-Dezurn 2 press conference quotes
Claressa Shields
“I wish this fight would’ve happened when she was undisputed at 168 and I was undisputed at 160,” said Shields. “That’s what I really wish. But this fight being at heavyweight brings more notoriety to her name, to my name, to the event. We will be etched in history together throughout our entire careers from the amateurs to our pro debuts to our heavyweight fight coming up Feb. 22. Now, I have bought these baby bottles because I thought Franchón was going to be on that bullshit today. I thought she was going to be up here crying again. I brought the bottles…
…When I was in camp I made sure I checked off every box to make sure not only I can win this fight, but I want to drop her. I want to knock her out. I want to hurt her. I want to make a statement because she is just that good. So I didn’t take her lightly.”
Franchón Crews-Dezurn
“I’ve been working very hard,” said Crews-Dezurn. “This is a great opportunity, something that’s very in alignment with my mission and what I love to do, which is push women’s boxing forward. I’m grateful for the opportunity from Wynn Records, Salita Promotions, of course Claressa Shields, my management Peter Kahn, to come together. This is a long time in the making.
I’ve always told Claressa our journeys was going to be intertwined as it is and it’s beautiful because when we first met women’s boxing wasn’t even in the Olympics. So we had the opportunity to step forward in that manner and to see both of our faces on beautiful artwork around the arena, on the internet, it means the world to me. I’m not a selfish person. I’m very selfless. This is definitely my dream. Everything I’m doing is for my dream…”
Fight prediction
Shields has defeated Crews-Dezurn each time they fought, be it in the amateurs or the professional ranks. She should be expected to win once again. Shields has spoken about wanting to win by knockout. With a smaller than usual ring and an opponent not too far off from retirement, it might just happen. Expect Shields to get the stoppage within the last three rounds.
Full press conference
For the press conference in its entirety, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of WDIV.
Currently writing out of Toronto, Canada, Saadeq first became a boxing fan while living in Doha, Qatar. Looking to become more involved in the sport, he began writing about boxing and has had work published in outlets such as Seconds Out and Boxing Social. He looks forward to continue covering boxing on Big Fight Weekend.
