Claressa Shields vs. Franchon Crews-Dezurn 2 Keys to Victory: Breaking down tactics of each fighter

A big boxing weekend will be capped off on a solid note Sunday night when Claressa Shields puts her undisputed heavyweight world championship on the line against Franchon Crews-Dezurn.

It all takes place at Little Caesar’s Arena in Detroit, Michigan, and live and exclusively on DAZN. The super fight marks a rematch from their professional debut way back in November 2016 when Shields edged Crews-Dezurn on points.

Nearly 10 years later, Shields (17-0, 3 KOs) is recognized as the ‘GWOAT’ — the first boxer ever to reign as undisputed world champion in three different weight classes. Shields last scored a unanimous decision defeat over Lani Daniels in July, further establishing herself as a force at heavyweight. Meanwhile, Crews-Dezurn (10-2, 2 KOs) is the current unified WBA/WBC super middleweight world champion and former undisputed ruler of the division, having last generated a majority decision over Citlalli Ortiz in June.

Will Shields prove to be too dominant for her rival in another masterclass showing? Or will Crews-Dezurn find a way to shock the boxing world with a huge upset? With the stakes riding high, DAZN News analyzes the Keys to Victory for both the undisputed queen of the ring and her glowing challenger.

Claressa Shields’ Keys to Victory

Cut off the ring on Crews-Dezurn

Claressa Shields always had the ability to cut off the ring, though she has been sensational at it as a heavyweight.

Whether it is methodically stalking forward off her lead foot or simply walking over and giving a bit of a chase, Shields cutting off the ring on Franchon Crews-Dezurn could immediately put the challenger on the back foot where the ‘The GWOAT’ could start doing some real damage.

Start catching Crews-Dezurn with right hands

Once Shields loads up on that big right hand and sits on the punch, she is able to leverage maximum impact. This is true for a piercing straight shot, a hook or overhand right from Shields.

Shields’ ability to catch Crews-Dezurn cleanly with these heavy-handed punches should put her in a favorable position to defend the undisputed heavyweight crown.

Apply pressure with volume

If Shields cuts off the ring effectively and finds a consistent home with her right hand, driving up her punch output could spell a clear path to continuing to reign as the undisputed queen of the ring as the volume could overwhelm Crews-Dezurn.

Franchon Crews-Dezurn’s Keys to Victory

Stand ground with range early

Franchon Crews-Dezurn does have a four-inch reach advantage against Claressa Shields and ‘The Heavy Hitting Diva’ ought to try to use it to stand her ground against the forward-fighting undisputed heavyweight world champion.

Having success with this early could have Crews-Dezurn sending Shields the message that she won’t be bullied around.

Anticipate Shields’ right hand

Crews-Dezurn is susceptible to a big right hand especially from taller opponents. Against a heavyweight Shields, eating these hard blows could spell doom for ‘The Heavy Hitting Diva.’

One remedy to prepare for Shields’ right hands is showing a higher, more disciplined guard — something that Crews-Dezurn is lax with at times.

The other possible solution is simply being aware of the incoming shot, whether that means more head movement off the center line or anticipating the parry.

Just being vigilant about the punch could help over the course of this fight in the challenger taking less damage.

Split Shields’ guard with combinations

In alignment with standing her ground against Shields’ pressure, Crews-Dezurn might be aided by unloading stinging one-two combinations to split the champ’s guard.

The left-right combo is one that Crews-Dezurn already has in her boxing bag. Being successful with it in this high-stakes fight could spell the difference between Crews-Dezurn having a chance to upset ‘The GWOAT’ or not.