“Everything Is Different Now” – Claressa Shields Drops Warning Ahead of Explosive Rematch With Franchón Crews-Dezurn
Heading into a highly anticipated rematch with one of her fiercest rivals, Claressa Shields says “everything is different” this time around.
On February 22, the undefeated champion (17-0, 3 KOs) will face Franchón Crews-Dezurn for the Undisputed Heavyweight World Championship, streaming live on DAZN. Nearly a decade ago, the two made their professional debuts against each other in Las Vegas — a fight Shields won by unanimous decision.
At the time, Shields was a 21-year-old Olympic star fresh off gold medal triumphs at the 2012 Summer Olympics and the 2016 Summer Olympics. Now 30, the self-proclaimed “GWOAT” (Greatest Woman of All Time) believes she has evolved in every aspect of her game.
“I’ve changed in every area,” Shields told Mirror U.S. Sports. “I’ve gotten better with my skills. I’m stronger, faster, smarter — and bigger. Everything is different in this fight compared to 10 years ago. Now I’ve got a whole list of accolades behind me, and I’m making way more money.”
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Over the past decade, Shields has built a perfect 17-0 professional record against 17 different opponents. She made boxing history as the first woman to become undisputed champion in three weight classes — light middleweight, middleweight, and heavyweight — and currently holds all four major heavyweight world titles.
Her evolution hasn’t just been technical — it’s been strategic. Shields says her preparation today is far more advanced than it was in 2016.
“Stuff I’m doing now, I didn’t even know about when I was 21,” she explained. “We’ve got recovery, ice baths, isolation during camp, different locations for training, and a completely different trainer.”
Her daily routine has intensified as well. “I used to train once a day for two or three hours. Now I train twice a day — boxing, strength and conditioning, and running — all within that same timeframe.”
Outside the ring, Shields has also built one of the strongest personal brands in women’s boxing. The Flint, Michigan native commands a massive social media following and continues to expand her influence beyond the sport.
That momentum translated into a landmark deal last November, when she signed a four-fight agreement with Wynn Records and Salita Promotions. The contract guarantees a minimum of $8 million and could exceed $15 million, including a reported $3 million signing bonus.
“The opportunity came from my hard work and how I’ve built my brand,” Shields said. “A lot of people were interested when I became a free agent. The deals were OK — but I know my worth. When Salita and Wynn Records came together, that’s when it became an $8 million minimum deal. That’s what I wanted — and I got it.”
Now, with legacy, money, and undisputed gold on the line, Shields insists this rematch isn’t just a repeat — it’s a completely different fight.
