The GWOAT Returns to Detroit
The air in Detroit just hits different when Claressa Shields is in town. Honestly, it’s not just about the boxing. It’s about the energy of a city that sees itself in her—tough, relentless, and always coming back for more. If you’ve been looking for how to catch the claressa shields fight live, you’re circling a date that has been ten years in the making.
February 22, 2026.
Little Caesars Arena is going to be rocking. Again. Last time she was there, she sold the place out against Lani Daniels, proving that the "GWOAT" (Greatest Woman of All Time) moniker isn't just marketing fluff. People show up for her. But this next one? This is the one people have been whispering about in the gyms for a decade.
A Rivalry Born in the Basement
To understand why this fight matters, you have to go back to November 19, 2016. T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas. Two young women were making their professional debuts on the undercard of the first Sergey Kovalev vs. Andre Ward fight. One was a two-time Olympic gold medalist named Claressa Shields. The other was a powerhouse named Franchon Crews-Dezurn.
They beat the absolute brakes off each other for four rounds.
Shields won a unanimous decision that night, but it was the kind of fight where both women left a piece of themselves in the ring. Since then, their paths have been wild. Shields went on to become an undisputed champion in three weight classes—a feat no other boxer, male or female, had ever done. She’s basically collected belts like they’re trading cards.
Meanwhile, "The Heavy Hitting Diva" Franchon Crews-Dezurn didn't just fade away. She went on her own tear, becoming the undisputed super middleweight champion. She’s been "poppin' it," as Shields says, claiming she can actually take the GWOAT in a world championship setting.
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Basically, the first fight ended at round four. On February 22, they’re picking up at round five.
Where to Watch Claressa Shields Fight Live
If you aren't one of the lucky thousands heading to the 313, you’re probably wondering where the stream is. In 2026, the landscape of sports broadcasting is a bit of a mess with all the different apps, but for this one, it's pretty straightforward.
DAZN has the global rights.
The deal is part of a massive $8 million multi-fight contract Shields signed with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records. It’s the largest contract in the history of women’s boxing. Period. When you want to see the claressa shields fight live, you're looking at a 5:00 PM ET start time on Sunday.
- Date: Sunday, February 22, 2026
- Time: 5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT
- Venue: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
- Streaming Platform: DAZN (Worldwide)
- Main Event Walkouts: Roughly 10:00 PM ET (though boxing schedules are notoriously fluid, so don't quote me on the exact minute).
The Heavyweight Stakes
Wait, did I say heavyweight? Yeah.
Shields is currently defending her Undisputed Heavyweight World Championship. It’s sort of crazy when you think about it. She started her pro career much lighter, but she’s moved up and down the scale like a metronome. She’s coming off a dominant win over Lani Daniels and a TKO of Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse.
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But Crews-Dezurn is a different animal. She's elite. She’s strong. She’s also desperate for redemption. She’s been waiting ten years to prove that the 2016 version of herself was just a prototype.
Shields, however, is coming in at "100 percent." In some of her recent bouts, she’s hinted at lingering injuries, but she’s told anyone who will listen that those days are over. She’s looking for the knockout this time. She doesn't want to leave it to the judges in her own backyard.
What Most People Get Wrong About Shields
There’s this narrative that Claressa Shields is "arrogant." Honestly? It’s probably more like "unapologetic."
In a world where female athletes are often told to be grateful for whatever crumbs they get, Shields demands the whole cake. She demanded an $8 million deal, and she got it. She demanded to be called the GWOAT, and the stats back her up.
Some critics point to her knockout ratio. She’s 17-0 with only 3 KOs. They say she doesn't have "the power." But if you watch her claressa shields fight live, you see something different. You see a masterclass in distance, timing, and volume. She doesn't just hit you; she dismantles you. She makes world-class fighters look like they’ve never laced up a pair of gloves.
The Michigan Connection
Michigan is the heart of this story. Shields is from Flint, but Detroit is her second home. Salita Promotions and 313 Presents have turned these Detroit cards into "events." It’s not just a boxing match; it’s a cultural moment.
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You’ve got Papoose (her manager and fiancé) involved, you’ve got the backing of Wynn Records, and you’ve got a city that shows up in fur coats and designer gear to watch their queen defend her throne.
How to Get Tickets
If you're actually in the D, tickets are on Ticketmaster. They aren't exactly cheap, but they aren't Mayweather-level expensive either.
- Upper Level: Usually starts around $100.
- Lower Bowl: Expect to pay $150 to $300.
- Ringside: If you have to ask, you probably can't afford it (but they usually run into the thousands).
The doors at Little Caesars Arena open at 4:00 PM ET. Pro tip: get there early. The undercards in these Salita-promoted events usually feature some hungry young Detroit prospects who are trying to be the next Shields.
The Tactical Breakdown
How does Crews-Dezurn win? She has to make it ugly. She has to use her size and strength to bully Shields, keep her against the ropes, and hope that Shields' previous injuries flare up.
How does Shields win? She just has to be Claressa. Her hand speed is significantly faster than Franchon’s. Her footwork is on another planet. If she stays in the center of the ring and uses her jab to disrupt Franchon’s rhythm, it’s going to be a long, painful night for the challenger.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re planning on catching the claressa shields fight live, here’s your checklist:
- Check your DAZN subscription now. Don't be that person trying to reset their password while the main event ring walks are happening.
- Verify the local start time. If you're in the UK, this is a late one (roughly 10:00 PM GMT for the start, but the main event will be much later).
- Watch the 2016 fight on YouTube. It’s only four rounds. It’ll give you all the context you need for the animosity you’re going to see at the weigh-ins.
- Follow Salita Promotions on social media. They usually drop the official "Running Order" the day before the fight so you know exactly when the undercard starts and when the "GWOAT" is expected to walk.
This isn't just another title defense. It's a full-circle moment for two of the best to ever do it. February 22 is going to be special. Be ready.