Boxing fans usually look at Sunday cards with a bit of a side-eye. It's usually the "hangover" day after a big Saturday night PPV. But honestly, the Feb 22nd boxing card coming to Little Caesars Arena is basically flipping that script. We aren't just talking about a regional show or a stay-busy fight for a prospect. We are looking at a massive homecoming for the GWOAT herself, Claressa Shields, as she defends her undisputed heavyweight crown in a rematch that has been brewing for a decade.
It’s personal.
Shields and Franchon Crews-Dezurn have this history that most fighters can only dream of—or have nightmares about. They met way back in 2016 in what was the professional debut for both women. Shields won that one, but Crews-Dezurn didn't just fade away into the background of the division. She went on to become undisputed herself at super middleweight. Now, they're meeting again at the top of the mountain. It's rare to see two fighters with this much hardware on the line actually get in the ring together without three years of Twitter bickering first.
The Undisputed Stakes of the Feb 22nd Boxing Card
Let’s be real: Detroit loves Claressa Shields. The last time she fought at Little Caesars Arena, the place was electric. It’s her city. On this Feb 22nd boxing card, she’s putting every single belt on the line—WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO. If you’re Crews-Dezurn, you’re walking into the lion's den. You aren't just fighting the best female boxer on the planet; you're fighting the crowd, the atmosphere, and the weight of that 10-year rivalry.
Crews-Dezurn is coming in with a massive chip on her shoulder. She’s often felt like she’s lived in Shields’ shadow despite her own incredible accomplishments. This is her chance to take everything in one night. It’s "The Diva" vs. "T-Rex," and the styles are actually kinda fascinating when you break them down.
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Shields is all about that high-volume, technical pressure. She doesn’t just hit you; she overwhelms you with speed and precision. On the flip side, Crews-Dezurn is rugged. She’s got that "dog" in her that makes every round a physical grind. She wants to make it ugly. She wants to turn a boxing match into a fight.
Why Sunday is the New Saturday for Boxing
Usually, a Sunday night slot on DAZN might feel like an afterthought, but the timing here is actually pretty smart. It follows a massive Saturday night in Las Vegas where Mario Barrios is slated to defend his WBC welterweight title against Ryan Garcia. By placing the Feb 22nd boxing card on a Sunday, the promoters are giving it its own breathing room. There’s no competition from other major sports, and it allows the Detroit crowd to show out without being buried under a mountain of other combat sports news.
The card isn't just a one-trick pony, either. We’ve got some interesting depth building out on the undercard.
- Che Kenneally vs. Danielle Perkins: A clash in the women’s light heavyweight division. This is a battle of two fighters trying to prove they belong in the title conversation. Perkins is a former world champion herself, and Kenneally is an undefeated Australian prospect with a lot of hype.
- The Prospect Factor: Usually, Salita Promotions fills these Detroit cards with local talent from the Kronk Gym and surrounding areas. Expect to see some of the "Big Time Boxing USA" regulars looking to make a statement on a global platform.
What Most People Get Wrong About Shields vs. Crews-Dezurn 2
There’s this misconception that because Shields won the first fight, the second is a foregone conclusion. That’s just not how boxing works, especially when you factor in a ten-year gap. In 2016, they were both "green" pros. Now, they are seasoned veterans who have seen everything the sport can throw at them.
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Crews-Dezurn has developed a much higher ring IQ. She knows how to manage her gas tank better and how to use her strength to tie up faster opponents. Shields, meanwhile, has moved through multiple weight classes and proved she can handle the power of much larger women.
It’s basically a chess match played at 100 miles per hour.
The Detroit Factor
If you've never been to a high-level boxing event in Detroit, you're missing out. The city has a grit that translates directly to the ring. The atmosphere for the Feb 22nd boxing card will likely be tense. Shields knows that a loss in her hometown would be a catastrophic blow to her legacy. For Crews-Dezurn, silencing a Detroit crowd is probably the only thing better than winning the belts themselves.
Navigating the DAZN Broadcast
The event is set to stream live on DAZN, which has basically become the home for these high-stakes women’s matchups. If you're planning on watching, keep an eye on the start times. Usually, the main card kicks off around 8:00 PM EST, but with it being a Sunday night, they might move things slightly earlier to accommodate the work week.
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Tickets are already moving. Little Caesars Arena is a massive venue, but Shields has shown she can fill those seats. If you’re looking to go, don’t wait until the week of the fight. Prices tend to jump once the full undercard is announced and the local promo machine kicks into high gear.
Actionable Steps for Fight Night
If you're following this Feb 22nd boxing card, you'll want to stay ahead of the curve. Here is exactly how to prepare:
- Check the Weigh-In: On Saturday, Feb 21st, watch the weigh-ins. This is where you’ll see the first real face-off and get a sense of the physical condition of both fighters. Sometimes the body language at the scale tells you more than the press conferences ever will.
- Monitor the Undercard Shifts: Boxing cards are notorious for last-minute changes. Follow Salita Promotions on social media for the final bout order.
- Set Your Streaming Reminders: If you’re watching on DAZN, make sure your subscription is active at least 24 hours before. You don't want to be dealing with "forgotten password" issues while the main event ring walks are happening.
- Watch the First Fight: Go back and find the 2016 footage of Shields vs. Crews-Dezurn. It’s short, it’s raw, and it provides the perfect context for why this rematch matters so much in 2026.
This isn't just another date on the calendar. It’s a moment where a rivalry finally gets its closing chapter. Whether Shields cements her status as the greatest to ever do it or Crews-Dezurn pulls off the upset of the decade, the boxing world will be talking about Detroit on February 23rd.