Get Your Minks Out, Get Your Buffs Out: Claressa Shields and Franchón Crews-Dezurn Bring the City Out
Claressa Shields vs. Franchón Crews-Dezurn 2 went down this past Sunday at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. This fight had everything you could want: a story, controversy, and a spectacle that had to be seen to be believed. Having already met in their pro debuts, these women faced each other again 10 years later. Claressa was victorious that night, and both ladies went on to become world champions.
Heading into the rematch, Franchón embraced the underdog role, but as she told us in our interview, she planned to show the world what Franchón Crews-Dezurn could do. Claressa, meanwhile, was determined to once again prove why she is the GWOAT. From the entrances to the way the city showed up, to the performance from Boosie, the Motor City was lit and full of mink coats.
Savanna Tini vs. Vaida Masiokaite
Savanna Tini faced a step up in competition against Vaida Masiokaite, who had previously fought Sammy Worthington, the defending WBA Super Lightweight champion. Tini did her best work on the inside, where she was most effective. Although her opponent tried to make the fight gritty, Tini secured the decision victory.
Jasmine Hampton vs. Vazquez
Jasmine Hampton, fighting out of Superbad, returned to the ring after her big debut win at the Fox Theatre. This time, she faced a 12-fight veteran in Vazquez. Hampton looked like a ring general, picking her shots and doing damage early. She also showed great poise while engaging, demonstrating the true art of the sweet science by hitting and not getting hit on her way to a fifth-round stoppage.
Lance “Boogie” Smith vs. Vizcarrondo
Lance Smith returned to the big stage and put on a show. After starting a bit slow and counterpunching, he turned it up in round three, overwhelming his opponent on the way to a TKO finish.
Pryce Taylor vs. James Evans
Pryce Taylor returned as well, and the 10-0 prospect showed great poise in the ring. He was selective with his shots, landing effectively while avoiding damage from his taller opponent. Taylor even appeared to be enjoying himself, clowning his opponent at times. He turned up the heat in round four with vicious body shots that opened up a hook, sending Evans to the floor before dancing back to his corner. Taylor didn’t let up, coming out with a barrage of punches and stopping his opponent early in round five.
Perkins vs. Kenneally
This was my show-stealer heading into fight night. I was really impressed with Danielle Perkins in her fight against Claressa Shields, and I fully expected her to use her range. Instead, she showed the grit she had in her. The tension started early at the weigh-in, with pushing and shoving that caused a wardrobe malfunction.
Being new to Che Kenneally, she won me over after our chat and explaining the meaning behind her fight name. Both ladies came out throwing, although Che appeared to be the better counter striker. Perkins’ footwork was highly unorthodox, making it difficult for Che to get a read on her and allowing Perkins to land effectively.
Perkins closed the show with a huge knockout, splitting Che’s lip wide open. It was a great fight.
Atif Oberlton vs. Joe George Jr.
This looked to be a promising co-main event, but after a clash of heads, George Jr. collapsed on his stool between rounds, forcing the fight to be stopped. Thankfully, he was able to get up and leave the ring under his own power. Credit to Atif as well for showing great sportsmanship toward his fallen opponent.
Main Event: Claressa Shields vs. Franchón Crews-Dezurn 2
In a rematch 10 years in the making, and with emotions already explosive following the brawl at the weigh-in, the main event brought electricity to Little Caesars Arena. The fight started exactly where the weigh-in left off, with both women meeting in the center and throwing heavy shots.
As the fight progressed, Shields showed her superior skill and took advantage of Franchón’s gas tank, which appeared to fade in the later rounds.
In my estimation, this was one of the most entertaining build-ups and performances from Shields since her fight with Perkins. With Perkins scoring a major knockout earlier in the night, a rematch between Shields and Perkins could be next.
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