DETROIT (Feb. 19, 2026) — With championship gold and legacy on the line, Undisputed Heavyweight Champion Claressa “The GWOAT” Shields (10-0, 3 KO’s) and former undisputed champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn (10-2-2) came face-to-face Thursday at Little Caesars Arena, setting the stage for their highly anticipated rematch this Sunday.
Sunday’s card is stacked well beyond the main event, featuring multiple televised title bouts that reinforce the depth of talent on display. In the co-feature, undefeated light heavyweight Atif Oberlton (14-0, 12 KO’s) faces Joe George Jr. (13-1, 8 KO’s)in a 10-round clash for the WBC US and WBA Continental USA Light Heavyweight titles, while Che Kenneally (5-0, 2KO’s) meets Danielle Perkins (5-1, 2KO’s) for the WBA Light Heavyweight World Title over 10 rounds. The DAZN telecast opener will showcase heavyweight action as Pryce Taylor (10-0, 6 KO’s) squares off against James Evans (9-2-1, 7KO’s) in an eight-round bout, setting the tone for what promises to be a night of nonstop fight action in Detroit.
Hosted by veteran boxing voice and radio host Ronnie Duncan, who has graced the stage at many of Shields’ hometown fights, the event brought together promoters, media, executives and partners behind what is shaping up to be one of the most exciting nights of boxing Detroit has seen.
Dmitriy Salita, president of Salita Promotions, and longtime architect behind Shields’ professional career, emphasized the broader vision behind Sunday’s event.
“Six of the eleven fights feature some of the best women’s bouts in the world,” Salita said. “We are proud of that. When Claressa first turned pro, she made sure we staged an all-women’s card. Almost 10 years later, she is still pushing for visibility and opportunity.”
“I was recently in Florida visiting both women in camp and Claressa looked incredible, holding her own with elite male boxers and Franchon is equally ready. She is conditioned, she’s in great shape and has a chip on her shoulder. Rightfully so, Franchon has not got the credit she deserves. February 22 she’s going to show the world just how ready she is.”
Salita noted the undercard will also feature American heavyweights and rising contenders, including Pryce Taylor and newly signed light heavyweight Atif Oberlton.
“Detroit boxing is back, and it’s here to stay,” Salita said.
Claressa Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and 19x world champion, reflected on the full-circle nature of the rematch while standing once again on her home stage.
“First I want to give thanks to my lord and savior, God. I want to thank anyone who is part of my team, and anyone who has previously been part of my team who played a part to get me here. I want to thank Salita Promotions and Wynn Records and all my fans who purchased tickets and all the fighters who are on this card. I have Sammy Worthington, McElroy, and Danielle Perkins, and I’m so excited to play a small part in their career. I’m happy to see Danielle Perkins have another shot on the big stage, because it wasn’t going to be me.”
Shields revisited their shared history.
“I remember vividly when I was fresh out the Olympics scanning for the best opponent who I could fight for my pro-debut. It was Franchon. I don’t think she knows that I knew about her long before she knew about me. I watched her film at 13, and I knew back then she hit HARD. We met when I was 16 in the Junior Olympics, I was more excited to meet her after watching so much film on her and she was #1 in the world. She was THAT girl, but when you want to BE that girl, you have to take out the girl. We know what happened in that first matchup. This fight now is even bigger. We are etched in history and will forever be, so the stage is much bigger this time around. I made sure when I was in camp I didn’t leave a single stone unturned. I’m removing the fur and I’m getting down to business on fight night.”
She closed with a message to Detroit.
“We are at 15,000 tickets sold right now. All the good seats are gone, but for those of you who decided to wait, get your nose bleed seats.”
Franchon Crews-Dezurn, a former undisputed champion and current Unified Super Middleweight Champion who has long advocated for equity in women’s boxing, made clear that Sunday’s fight represents both redemption and purpose.
“This is a great opportunity and this aligns with my vision of pushing women’s sports forward. This is a long time in the making. I told Claressa long ago that our paths would cross again. To come from women’s boxing not being in the Olympics to standing here right now. I have a mission and I won’t stop until I get there. I want girls and guys to see their name in lights one day. I am a future hall of famer, I am going to show the world on February 22.”
She added:
“I’m thankful to my sponsors. I have sacrificed time, money and my everything to bring you a great fight on Sunday. I’ve been through politics, steroid cheats, and hate mail, but I’m going to continue to walk through to the finish line. Get your tickets and be there for history in the making. This fight is for my mom.”
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