The two-time Olympic gold medallist improved to 18‑0, with all three judges scoring the fight 100‑90 in her favor, while Crews-Dezurn, the super-middleweight champion, suffered her third career loss, falling to 10‑3.
“I had to take my time tonight,” Shields said afterward. “That's one of the toughest fights I've been in during my pro career. She hits hard these days.”
Rematch of a Historic Debut
The bout served as a rematch of their professional debuts on November 19, 2016, when Shields also emerged victorious by unanimous decision. Tensions were high leading into the fight, highlighted by a heated face-off and scuffle between the fighters’ teams during the pre-fight weigh-in.
Crews-Dezurn had been evaluated by a doctor on Sunday morning for knee and ankle concerns but was cleared to compete. Once the opening bell rang, both boxers came out aggressively, though Shields soon established dominance with superior hand speed. After the final bell, the two exchanged words before ultimately embracing in a display of mutual respect.
Shields’ Historic Achievement
Shields cemented her place in history as the first undisputed heavyweight champion in women’s boxing when she moved up from her natural middleweight division last year, unifying the WBC, WBO, WBA, and IBF belts. This fight marked the first under her new £5.9m ($8m) multi-fight contract and drew a large turnout at the home arena shared by the Detroit Red Wings and Pistons.
Undercard Highlights
The night also featured notable action on the undercard. In the co-main event, the light-heavyweight clash between Atif Oberlton (14‑0) and Joseph George (13‑2) ended abruptly after the first round when George collapsed in his corner. Paramedics treated him, and he was able to leave the ring under his own power.
Elsewhere, American light-heavyweight Danielle Perkins (6‑1) captured the WBA light-heavyweight title with a sixth-round knockout over Australia’s Che Kenneally (5‑1), adding further excitement to a memorable evening in Detroit.
Shields’ emphatic win reinforced her dominance across multiple weight classes and her status as a pioneering figure in women’s boxing, while the event highlighted the depth and talent rising through the sport.