Claressa Shields and Franchon Crews-Dezurn Rematch and More News

 

(Photo by Al Applerose)

By David A. Avila

Undisputed heavyweight champion Claressa Shields will clash with super middleweight champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn a second time this coming February, announced Salita Promotions on Tuesday.

“These two giants meet again under the largest contract in the history of the sport, in a matchup that carries international significance,” said Dmitriy Salita, president of Salita Promotions.

Shields (17-0, 3 Kos) defends the heavyweight championship against Crews-Dezurn (10-2) who is moving up in weight for the fight at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan on Saturday Feb. 22. DAZN will stream the fight card.

Their first encounter took place on November 19, 2016 at Las Vegas on the opening bout for Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev. Both were making their pro debuts and the few hundred people in the crowd did not know what to expect. Women’s boxing was still an unknown sport to many boxing fans at the time.

When the first bell rang the two female combatants exploded with barrage of blows that surprised many in the crowd. I had arrived early because I knew the promoters would put the female bout first and they did. But I had no idea the two women would slug each other with such ferocity.

The crowd gasped at their battle that lasted only four incredible rounds. Each fighter had a look of pleasure on their faces like tasting ice cream for the first time. They did not disappoint. Their fight set the tone for the rest of the night. I never forgot their intensity.

I had warned our photographer Al Applerose to arrive early because I did not want to miss their fight. He was able to capture their intense battle.

As a boxing writer I have covered boxing since 1985 and women’s boxing since the mid-1990s. The match between Shields and Crews-Dezurn marked an important date for women’s boxing. Shields had just conquered the Olympics for a second time a few months earlier. She had won gold four years earlier but remained an amateur.

“In 2016 I had just come off winning two Olympic gold medals, fresh out of the amateurs, and finding an opponent was tough, Franchon stepped in,” Shields said. “I plan on putting Franchon Crews on her back and leaving with the KO.”

Crews-Dezurn was a top amateur for many years and was eager to prove her mettle as a pro. When other pro fighters refused to meet Shields for her pro debut it was Crews-Dezurn who eagerly accepted the fight. She dared make her pro debut fighting an Olympic legend. The audacity of her willingness to fight Shields is the stuff that makes legends.

“I’ve been waiting and working a long time for this moment, and we finally meet again,” said Crews-Dezurn. “This time as established champions with great legacies.”

I remember immediately thinking both these women are a notch above other women pugilists at the time. During the past nine years women’s boxing has steadily improved not just in the USA but worldwide. Countries like South Africa, Thailand, China and France are no producing female fight cards on a steady basis.

Though women’s boxing has been around for over 100 years the year 2016 marks the date when the curtain was lifted and female prizefighting was recognized as a potential blockbuster sport.

It all points to that November 2016 date when Shields and Crews-Dezurn pummeled each other and raised the bar.

Shields recently signed an $8 million deal that includes Salita Promotions, Wynn Records and 313 Presents. This will be their first promotion.

“Her $8 million deal isn’t just a milestone for women’s boxing, it’s a statement about what’s possible when talent meets vision. We’re proud to stand behind The GWOAT as she returns home to defend her title and continue rewriting history,” said Ruben Branson of Wynn Records.

“This fight is more than just a rematch, it’s a moment for the culture,” said Papoose of Wynn Records.

The culture of women’s boxing continues to grow.

Crews-Dezurn is not intending to lose.

“I’m daring to be even greater by going up in weight, strutting into hell so I can create my heaven,” said Crews-Dezurn. “I’m a worldwide woman that’s good in any hood and can’t wait to give Detroit, along with the world, a great fight.”

Bosltered by a million dollar contract and tons of belts and medals, Shields already knows what to expect from Crews-Dezurn.

“Me and Franchon have unfinished business that needs to be settled,” said Shields. “She’s been poppin’ it like she can whoop me in a world championship fight. We went four rounds in our pro debut, and this fight will pick up from round five.”

The culture of women’s boxing is growing.

 

Super Flies in Florida

Jasmine Artiga (14-0-1, 7 Kos) defends the WBA super fly title against Italy’s Stephanie Silva (10-1) on Saturday Dec. 13, at Caribe Royale Orlando in Orlando, Florida. This is Artiga’s second defense of the title and Silva’s second attempt at winning a world title. She fought and lost to Mexico’s Irma Garcia for the vacant IBF title two years ago in Long Beach, Calif.

 

Super Bantams in California

Two former world champions face each other when Australia’s Skye Nicolson (14-1) meets Mexico’s Yuliahn Luna (28-4-1) on Saturday Dec. 13, at Stockton Arena in Stockton, California. DAZN will stream the Matchroom Boxing card.

Nicolson, the former WBC featherweight titlist, has dropped down to super bantam and will be fighting former super bantam champ Luna who lost the title to Dina Thorslund two years ago. Both will be fighting for the interim WBC super bantam belt.

 

More Fight News

Argentina

Carolina Diaz (1-0) defeated Brisa Aguirre (0-1) by decision after four rounds on Friday Dec. 5. The light fly fight was held in San Miguel de Tucaman.

On Saturday Dec. 13, bantams Milagros Herrera (4-0) and Dayana Diaz (1-0-3) meet six rounds at Virrey del Pino.

On Saturday Dec. 13, super flies Eugenia Poma (9-0) and Victoria Moreyra (1-9-2) meet six rounds at Junin. Also, super feathers Rocio Gordillo (3-10 and Leila Robledo (2-0-1) meet four.

 

Australia

Emma Sue Greentree (2-0) knocked out Deene Pure (0-1) in the first round on Saturday Dec. 6. The light heavy match was held in Newcastle West.

Taylah Gentzen (8-1) defeated Jessica Adams (3-4-1) by decision after eight rounds on Saturday Dec. 6. The lightweight fight took place in Broadbeach.

On Saturday Dec. 13, bantams Charlotte Johnson (0-0) and Khwunchit Khunya (7-21-1) meet six rounds at Gatton.

On Saturday Dec. 13, bantams Greer Hall (0-0) and Sarah Linton (2-6) meet four rounds at North Shore. Also, welters Karena Te Ruki (3-3) and Louise Creaven (3-1) meet four.

 

Chile

On Friday Dec. 12, super lights Victoria Quevedo (4-0-1) and Yulisa Hurtado (1-1) meet six rounds at Santiago.

 

China

Wenyi Zhou (1-0-1) beat Anshu Rambir (4-2) after six rounds on Sunday Dec. 7. The feather fight was held in Qidong.

Ziqi Sheng (1-0) beat Manli Lei (1-6-1) after four rounds on Saturday Dec. 6. The feather match was held in Hangzhou. Also, Jingjing Hong (2-0) beat Minghui Wang (0-1) in four; and welter Yanan Wu (1-0) beat Hanwen Zhang (0-1) in four.

 

Colombia

On Friday Dec. 12, feathers Karen Chacon (1-0) and Maria Miranda (17-23) meet four rounds at Bogota.

 

Democratic Republic of Congo

On Saturday Dec. 13, lightweights Niati Mutu (0-0) and Merveille Bisambu (0-1) meet four rounds at Kinshasa.

On Sunday Dec. 14, bantams Luna Lubaya (0-0) and Merlene Martha (0-0) meet four rounds at Lubumbashi.

 

Denmark

Melissa Mortensen (8-0) knocked out Dorota Norek (9-6) in the fourth round on Saturday Dec. 6. The super bantam fight took place in Varde.

 

Dominican Republic

On Saturday Dec. 13, feathers Vivian Buanelis (8-1) and Gretel Quezada (7-1-1) meet eight rounds at Santiago. Also, Miguelina Hernandez (2-0) and Adriana Tobon (4-3) meet six.

 

France

Tania D’Almeida (3-0) defeated Josephine Callangahan (0-2) after six rounds on Saturday Dec. 6. The flyweight fight took place in Nanterre.

Isis Pizagou (1-0-1) beat Sherie Barnes (0-14) after four rounds on Saturday Dec. 6. The lightweight fight took place in Loire Atlantique.

Sacha Morice (4-0) won by unanimous decision after eight rounds versus Lydie Balic (3-5-1) on Saturday Dec. 6. The super bantam title fight was held in Carentan.

Flora Pili (12-0) defeated Jelena Janicijevic (6-2-1) by majority decision after 10 rounds on Friday dec. 5. The IBO super light title fight was held in Saint Avold.

On Saturday Dec. 13, welters Emilie Sonvico (6-0) and dee Allen (7-0) meet 10 rounds for a regional title at Uzes. Also, feathers Lea Couvercelle (1-0) and Sherie Barnes (0-14) meet six.

On Saturday Dec. 13, light flies Selma Renier (7-0) and Judit Hachbold (5-23) meet six rounds at Capestang.

On Saturday Dec. 13, super lights Victorie Piteau (14-3) and Alys Sanchez (18-9-1) meet 10 rounds at Deols. Also, Lilia Cherifi (4-1) and Ashley Rabereau (0-0-1) meet six.

On Saturday Dec. 13, feathers Helene Lascombe (6-1) and Sarah Kaddour (1-0) meet four rounds at Nevers.

 

Germany

Sarah Scheurich (7-0) defeated Lani Daniels (11-4-2) by unanimous decision after 10 rounds on Saturday Dec. 6. The IBF light heavy world title fight was held in Goeppingen.

Elisabeth Mronsz (1-0) knocked out Oliwia Koziura (0-2) in the fourth on Saturday Dec. 6. The super feather match took place in Nordrhein-Westfalen.

On Saturday Dec. 13, lightweights Madeleine Mohrhardt (7-0) and Ilina Zuendorf (0-7) meet six rounds at Stuttgart.

 

Japan

Arisa Tsubata (3-0) knocked out Suchada Bunchoo (2-2) in round one on Friday Dec. 5. The super light fight took place in Tokyo.

Komi Sato (4-0) knocked out Mitsuki Ohashi (3-2) in three on Monday dec. 1. The atomweight fight took place in Tokyo. Also, fly Miku Tamaki (1-0) beat Akari Miyachi (0-1) in four.

On Sunday Dec. 14, minimumweights Pattarawadee Somkaeo (1-1) and Hana Tanihara (2-1) meet four rounds at Kariya. Also, super flies Mami Otsubo (1-1) and Nodoka Taka (1-0) meet four.

On Sunday Dec. 14, atomweights Pornpimon Pongpaew (6-6) and Sana hazuki (13-12-1) meet eight rounds at Ube. Also, Sumalee Bunchoo (2-0) and Eruka Hiromoto (5-1) meet six; and Ena Sakai (3-3) and Mao Kamada (4-0-3) meet six.

 

Monaco

Elif Nur Turhan (12-0) knocked out Beatriz Ferreira (8-1) in the fifth round on Saturday Dec. 6. The IBF lightweight world title fight took place in Monte Carlo.

 

Nigeria

On Wed. Dec. 10, heavies Bolatito Oluwole (9-2) and Abiola Olawale (0-3) meet six rounds at Lagos. Also, welters Kate Isim Peter (2-0) and Okonkwo Chinaza (0-2) meet four; super flies Ayisat Oriyomi (10-2) and Taiye Kodjo (1-11) meet four; and cruisers Chidemma Nmeregini (0-0) and Fatai Kudirat (0-4-1) meet four.

 

Panama

Nataly Delgado (19-7-2) won by unanimous decision after 10 rounds versus Arlenn Sanchez (8-8-4) on Saturday Dec. 6. The super fly title fight took place in Veraguas.

 

South Africa

Abongile Lubambo (4-3-1) defeated Raider Muleba (6-18-1) after eight rounds on Saturday Dec. 6. The super feather fight was held in Welkom. Also, flies Leeann Jansen van Vuuren (2-2-1) and Asanda Mkhwanazi (2-1-1) drew after six; light fly Emma Mohono (1-3) beat Zanele Masilela (0-3) in four; Olwethu Mkhathala (4-0) beat Jennifer Sechi (1-1) in four; super feather Dorcus Thabologo (1-0) beat Thembisile Twala (0-1) in four; and flies Likho Nxele (2-0-1) beat Rethabile Tshepe (0-2) in two; and Sonelo Mbombo (2-0) beat Lerato Malefane (0-1) in four.

Adidya Mimu (6-3) knocked out Azasakhe Jamani (4-3) in the fifth on Friday Dec. 5. The lightweight fight was held in Soweto. Also, minimumweight Hariet Mtende (2-7) knocked out Thobela Nyanda (5-1) three; cruiser Rita Mrwebi (7-9-3) beat Kholosa Ndobayini (15-15) in eight; bantam Gabisile Tshabalala (12-7-1) beat Asanddiswa Nxokwana (8-7-2) after six; flyweights Keabatswe Mathane (2-1) beat Winnie Sithole (1-2-1) in four; Librah Mtarini (3-0-1) beat Pamela Matunga (1-10-2) in four.

 

Spain

On Saturday Dec. 13, bantams Teresa Makinen (4-0) and Natalie Francesca (7-6) meet eight rounds at Calpe.

 

Thailand

Panumad Bubpamalo (9-10) defeated Chawala Wangarsa (0-9) by decision after eight rounds on Sunday Dec. 7. The light fly fight was held in Pathum Thani. Also, feather Sawanya Srisawat (8-3) knocked out Sunisa Nalongin (0-1) in the third; and light fly Tassawan Hoiraya (1-5) beat Bowonlak Sonyeam (0-1) in four.

Samantha Quek (12-1) knocked out Pattarawan Thaosuwan (17-10-1) in five on Saturday Dec. 6. The super feather fight took place in Phuket. Also, super welter Nadja Milijancevic (5-0) knocked out Siriwan Thongmanit (6-17-1) in five; fly Aigel Khodova (6-0) knocked out Saowulak Nareepangsri (19-24) in four.

Ellie Bouttell (7-0-1) knocked out Chisakan Ariphipat (21-2-1) in four on Thursday Dec. 4. The super bantam title fight took place in Bangkok.

On Sunday Dec. 14, bantams Pimlapat Roikaew (3-0) and Siritom Ponpai (4-3-1) meet six rounds at Pathom.

 

United Arab Emirates

On Friday Dec. 12, lightweights Estelle Mossely (11-0-1) and Ellen Simwaka (13-7-2) meet eight rounds at Dubai.

 

United Kingdom

Bree Burbeary (7-0) knocked out Toran Kelly (0-2) in the fourth round on Sunday Dec. 7. The super welter fight was held in Liverpool. Also, lightweight Olivia Holmes (1-0) beat Rajwant Kaur (5-8) after six.

On Friday Dec. 12, super lights Kelsey Leonard (3-0) and Katherine Quintana (0-38-1) meet six rounds at Sheffield.

 

USA

Shannel Butler (6-0) defeated Debora Anahi (36-7) by decision after eight rounds on Saturday Dec. 6. The feather fight took place in Philadelphia. Also, bantam Shera Mae Patricio (7-0) beat Moni Trejo (4-5-1) in eight; plus super fly Damiana Andrello (1-1-1) beat Keya Reed (0-1) in four.

On Friday Dec. 12, super welters Brianda Cruz (3-0) and Melody Popravak (2-2-1) meet six rounds at Long Beach, Calif. Also, bantams Chantel Navarro (6-0) and Naomi Arellano (9-3) meet six.

On Saturday Dec. 13, light flies Brook Sibrian (8-2) and Gloria Munguilla (8-2) meet 10 rounds for a regional title at Los Angeles, Calif. Also, bantams Hayley Jordan (0-1) and Chantal Sumrall (1-2-1) meet four; and super lights Sasha Saldana (1-0) and Vana Medrano (0-1-1) meet four.

On Saturday Dec. 13, super flies Jasmine Artiga (14-0-1) and Stephanie Silva (10-1) meet 10 rounds for the WBA world title at Orlando, Florida.

On Saturday Dec. 13, super lights Kayla Williams (2-1) and Miracle Matthews (0-1) meet four rounds at Topeka, Kansas.

On Saturday Dec. 13, super flies Melanie Timko (3-0) and Guadalupe Garcia (1-0) meet six rounds at Lincoln, Nebraska.