Franchon Crews-Dezurn Returns to Form and Other Female Fight News
By David A. Avila
Welcome to the world of female prizefighting.
A year ago, rumors of a deadly virus were emerging. It’s here and still doing damage worldwide. But the women continue to thrive slowly but steadily despite the cancellations and changes in protocol.
World champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn (7-1,2 KOs) returned last Saturday on a Golden Boy Promotions boxing card in a non-title defense against Ashleigh Curry (8-14-4) at Dallas, Texas. In front of more than 6,000 fan she won an eight-round decision.
“It felt great. It was different. Leading up to it fight week was totally different. I have my system to get ready and it was totally different. I like to go for a run to acclimate and get my spirit there,” said Crews-Dezurn. “But it was different. We just went to the hotel, cafeteria and our room the whole time. I’m grateful for Golden Boy taking care of us.”
During the fight she showed improvement in her defense and a varied attack. Her punches were more strategically placed against the taller and heavier Curry, a veteran of wars against several world champions and contenders.
“It was good work for me. I would have been good for three-minute rounds too. If it was three, she would have retired or I would have stopped her,” said Crews-Dezurn. “But there is always room for improvement. It would have been nice if I had stopped her.”
The previous time Crews stepped in the boxing ring she in a close struggle against Mexico’s Alejandra Jimenez whose drug tests revealed traces of PEDs. The fight result was later ruled No Decision and the belts were returned to the Maryland-based fighter.
Crews, the current WBO and WBC super middleweight titlist, fought above 175 pounds in this recent fight to get action and shake off the mounting rust of inactivity. Next for the Baltimore prizefighter will probably be a unification clash against Sweden’s Elin Cederroos who holds the IBF and WBA super middleweight titles.
A unification match against Cederroos is very makeable.
“For me a unification match and being undisputed will help me for my personal legacy,” said Crews-Dezurn. “Its inspiring. l believe I’m the best. If I’m not, I have the potential to be.”
The winner will become undisputed super middleweight world champion and join the ranks of Katie Taylor, Claressa Shields and Jessica McCaskill as undisputed world champions in their respective weight classes. That’s very lofty company.
It means that taking risks does pay off. Back in 2016 Crews willingly made her pro debut against Shields who was also making her debut. People often forget this. Both had fought each other as decorated amateurs and knew each other’s talent. Yet they willingly accepted to fight each other.
I’ve been covering prizefighting for 35 years and never witnessed a pro debut as violent and competitive as Shields and Crews produced on the under card of Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev’s first encounter in Las Vegas. It was shocking and impressive. Imagine if Devin Haney had fought Ryan Garcia in their pro debuts.
The women’s fight world continues to amaze.
Change of foe for Yokasta Valle
IBF world titlist Yokasta Valle will now be fighting Sana Hazuki on January 16, in Costa Rica. Japan’s Hazuki is the number one contender according to the IBF rankings.
WBC titlist Tina Rupprecht pulled out of a unification clash against Valle when her promoter allegedly tried to change the terms of the contract. Rumors have it that Rupprecht’s promoter wanted to stack the judges in her favor.
When Valle fought Rupprecht back in 2018, the judges in Germany scored several rounds 10-10 instead of giving them outright to the Costa Rican when they fought in Munich. Lately, the WBC has been egregious in its behavior.
Valle happens to be one of the most daring of champions and has willingly traveled to Japan, Germany, Spain, Panama and El Salvador. As most in boxing know, traveling to other countries and getting a favorable decision is a very tough task. Yet, Valle has repeatedly shown no hesitation in accepting the challenge. She is a real fighter who believes in her talent.
Despite only weeks to prepare Hazuki steps in to replace Rupprecht and compete for the IBF minimum weight world title in Costa Rica. It’s no surprise that the Japanese fighter eagerly accepted the fight. Japanese fighters are always prepared and willing to fight in any country. They are very professional in their approach.
More Fight News
Argentina
On Saturday Jan. 9, bantamweights Jennifer Meza (2-1) and Antonella Molina (1-7-1) meet four rounds at Perez, Santa Fe.
Chile
On Saturday Jan. 16, super flyweights Daniela Asenjo (11-3-2) and Debora Gomez (6-4-1) meet eight rounds at Santiago. Also, super featherweights Claudia Uribe (0-0) and Iris Puchel (0-0) meet four rounds.
Costa Rica
On Saturday Jan. 16, minimum weights Yokasta Valle (20-2) and Sana Hazuki (8-4-1) meet 10 rounds for the IBF world title at San Jose. Hazuki is ranked the number one contender by the IBF.
USA
Franchon Crews-Dezurn (7-1) defeated Ashleigh Curry (8-14-4) by decision after eight rounds on Saturday Jan. 2. The cruiserweight fight took place at Dallas, Texas. Crews holds the WBO and WBC super middleweight titles but fought at 175 to accommodate Curry.
(Photo by Tom Hogan/ Golden Boy Promotions)