Claressa Shields vs Franchon Crews-Dezurn: Preview & Betting Tips

The long-anticipated showdown between Claressa Shields and Franchon Crews-Dezurn is the rivalry that we’ve all been waiting for to reignite in women’s boxing.

Shields (17-0, 3 KO’s) has built her career on dominance. A two-time Olympic gold medalist and multi-division undisputed champion, Shields is widely regarded as one of the most technically complete fighters in women’s boxing.

Crews-Dezurn (10-2, 2 KO’s) presents a different type of challenge. Strong, durable, and physically imposing, Crews-Dezurn brings grit and power to the table. A former undisputed champion herself, she thrives in close-range exchanges.

Tale of the Tape 

Claressa Shields – Odds 1.04 

Record: 17-0, 3 KO’s

Age: 30

Height: 5ft8

Reach: N/A

Weight: Heavyweight 

Stance: Orthodox 

Franchon Crews-Dezurn – Odds 12.00 

Record: 10-2, 2 KO’s

Age: 38

Height: 5ft8

Reach: N/A

Weight: Heavyweight 

Stance: Orthodox 

Claressa Shields vs Franchon Crews-Dezurn: Analysis 

Shields’ strengths lie in speed, combination punching, and ring IQ. Shields operates with sharp footwork and fast hands, often overwhelming opponents with flurries before pivoting out of range.

What makes Shields particularly difficult to deal with is her ability to control distance while maintaining offensive output. She throws in combinations, often three and four punches at a time, and rarely loads up on a single shot. Instead, she relies on accuracy and volume to accumulate rounds. Her defensive awareness is also underrated; she slips and blocks effectively, minimising clean counters.

Where Shields is fluid and explosive, Crews-Dezurn is sturdy and grinding. She isn’t afraid to make fights physical and has shown a willingness to absorb shots to land her own.

Crews-Dezurn’s strength lies in her body work and inside fighting. She applies pressure steadily, looking to pin opponents against the ropes and trade in tight quarters. Her physicality can disrupt rhythm, particularly against fighters who prefer space. She may not match Shields’ hand speed, but she compensates with strength and determination.

Shields will aim to keep the fight at mid-range, where her speed advantage is most pronounced. Quick entries and exits will be key. If she can step in with combinations and pivot before Crews-Dezurn sets her feet, she can rack up clean scoring shots.

For Crews-Dezurn, the path to victory involves cutting off the ring and limiting Shields’ movement. She must close distance, rough Shields up on the inside, and make exchanges uncomfortable. 

Shields vs Crews-Dezurn: Prediction & Betting Tips

The early rounds may be technical and tense, with Shields establishing her jab and quick combinations. Crews-Dezurn may take time to find rhythm, focusing on inching forward and landing to the body. 

Shields has proven capable of maintaining high punch output across championship rounds. Crews-Dezurn’s style demands steady physical engagement. If the pace remains high, Shields’ speed and stamina may give her an edge. If the bout becomes a grind, Crews-Dezurn’s strength could play a larger role.

Their rivalry stretches back years, with both fighters aware of each other’s accomplishments and reputations. That familiarity can intensify focus but also heighten pressure. Neither woman will want to concede any ground, which is why this bout for the women’s undisputed heavyweight titles is so fascinating.

With all this being said, my pick for this fight is going to be a controversial one. I’m taking Claressa Shields to win in rounds 6-10 at odds of 8.50  as I believe her work rate and shot selection will tire and break Crews-Dezurn down and ultimately force the referee to step in down the stretch.