Honestly, if you're trying to figure out what time does Claressa Shields fight, you aren't just looking for a number on a clock. You’re looking for a whole vibe. The "GWOAT" (Greatest Woman of All Time) doesn't just show up; she takes over the city.
The big one is coming up fast. Mark your calendar for Sunday, February 22, 2026. This isn't just any bout; it's a massive homecoming at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. We are talking about a decade-long rivalry coming full circle as Shields takes on Franchon Crews-Dezurn in a high-stakes rematch.
The 2026 Fight Times You Need to Know
For the February 22nd showdown, the doors at Little Caesars Arena are set to open at 4:00 PM ET. If you’re watching from your couch, the live stream on DAZN officially kicks off at 5:00 PM ET. Now, don't get confused by the broadcast start time. Boxing is notoriously fluid.
The main event ring walks for Shields vs. Crews-Dezurn 2 are expected to happen around 8:00 PM ET (which is 1:00 AM GMT on Monday for the folks across the pond). Keep in mind that the undercard pace dictates everything. If the preliminary fighters start trading early knockouts, that ring walk could shift. But generally, 8:00 PM ET is the sweet spot to be glued to your screen.
Why this specific timing matters
Sundays are a bit of a curveball for boxing. Usually, we're used to the Saturday night fever. By moving this to a Sunday afternoon/evening slot, the promoters are clearly aiming for a massive global audience. It's basically a primetime takeover.
- Doors Open: 4:00 PM ET
- Event Starts: 5:00 PM ET
- Main Event Ring Walks: Approximately 8:00 PM ET
- Platform: Streaming live on DAZN
A Rivalry Ten Years in the Making
This fight is personal. Claressa and Franchon actually shared their professional debuts against each other back in November 2016. Back then, Shields won a unanimous decision. Fast forward ten years, and both women have become absolute titans in the sport.
Shields is walking in with an undefeated 17-0 record. She's defending her undisputed heavyweight world championship. Crews-Dezurn (10-2) isn't just coming for a paycheck; she’s looking to settle "unfinished business." Shields has been vocal about this one, basically saying she’s 100 percent healthy after dealing with injuries in her last few bouts and plans on leaving with a KO this time.
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Breaking Down the "Shields Schedule"
If you missed her recent runs, you've missed a lot of history. In July 2024, she moved up two weight classes to snatch the WBC heavyweight title from Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse. Then, in July 2025, she defended those heavyweight belts against Lani Daniels in a fight that absolutely electrified Detroit.
She's making a habit of selling out the Little Caesars Arena. It’s becoming her fortress. The $8 million deal she’s currently under—partnering with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records—is one of the largest in the history of the sport. It’s why the production value of these fights has skyrocketed.
Expert Tip for Viewers
If you are using the DAZN app, don't wait until 8:00 PM to log in. The "GWOAT" events usually feature heavy-hitters on the undercard, and sometimes the app can get a bit laggy if everyone jumps on at the exact second the main event starts. Get in early, catch the vibes, and see the atmosphere in the arena build up.
What to Expect Next
Once the February 22nd fight concludes, the boxing world is already whispering about a potential Vegas mega-fight. Shields has mentioned wanting to face legendary names or perhaps even looking for a clash with Laila Ali if the stars ever align. For now, the focus is strictly on Detroit and the Sunday night lights.
To make sure you don't miss a single punch, verify your DAZN subscription at least 24 hours before the fight. If you're heading to the arena, remember that Detroit traffic around the District can be a nightmare on event days—give yourself an extra hour for parking. Once the bell rings at 8:00 PM ET, there’s no turning back.