What’s Next For Claressa Shields After Crews-Dezurn Win?
Following her win over Franchon Crews-Dezurn to retain her undisputed heavyweight title, we look at who is next for Claressa Shields.
Having conquered the heavyweight division as part of a three-weight undisputed champion, the “GWOAT” is now looking for legacy-defining “mega-fights.” That means there are various opportunities for Shields to move down the weight classes since she is a three-weight undisputed champion, having won all the belts at junior middleweight, middleweight and heavyweight.
In her post fight comments, Shields gave an insight into her next steps: “[I’d] love to share the ring with Shadasia [Green]. She’s at 168 [pounds], I’d go down and fight against her. Franchon still has belts at 168. So you might see Shields vs. Crews-Dezurn 3.”
Credit: AP Photo/Lon Horwedel)
Options
Shields could face Shadasia Green, who recently defeated Savannah Marshall—the only woman to ever beat Shields in the amateurs—to regain her momentum after a previous loss to Crews-Dezurn. Green is the current WBO and IBF Super Middleweight Champion. Green is a natural super middleweight with strong punching power, representing the kind of physical threat could threaten Shields.
There is also the talk of a fight between Shields and Mikaela Mayer. While Mayer has traditionally fought at lower weights, there is significant chatter about a catchweight bout. If the weight can be agreed upon (likely near 154-160 lbs), this fight would draw massive mainstream attention and potentially headline another major arena. However, Mayer is also being linked with a future undisputed welterweight fight with Lauren Price. That fight is arguably bigger for her legacy, as it offers her the chance to clean up all the belts at 147 against the undefeated Price.
The rivalry with Savannah Marshall has never truly settled. While Shields won their 2022 boxing encounter, Marshall’s name remains the biggest ghost in Shields’ career. With both women having ventured into MMA (PFL), there is a lingering possibility of a rematch in the cage or a return to the ring for a “deciding” third clash. Despite Marshall’s recent loss to Shadasia Green, the “Shields vs. Marshall” brand is still incredibly valuable. However, that also depends on Marshall getting back to winning ways.
Credit: AP Photo/Lon Horwedel)
Time Off
As of now, Shields will have to make her choice carefully. She also revealed that she wants to focus on having a family, which will no doubt influence her choices moving forward.
“What are we in 2026 right now? Well, in 2027, like I said, this is my niece; this is not my child,” Shields said while hugging her niece in the postfight news conference. But I want to have my own kids. So, in 2027, I think I want to take some time off and have my own kids,” Shields said
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