Atif Oberlton Captures Lt. Heavyweight WBC Continental Title, Danielle Perkins Becomes The New WBA Lt. Heavyweight Champion, and Pryce Taylor Scores 5th Rd. Knockout to Remain Undefeated, Live on DAZN!

​​DETROIT (Feb. 23, 2026) —  The Undisputed Heavyweight Champion Claressa “The GWOAT” Shields (18-0, 3 KOs) delivered a commanding, masterclass performance over longtime rival Franchon Crews-Dezurn (10-3-2) to retain her Undisputed Heavyweight crown via 10-round unanimous decision Sunday night live on DAZN.

The event promoted by Salita Promotions in partnership with Wynn Records, co-promoted by 313 Presents, and sponsored by ZEUS Networks, Tuff Shed, M Select Hydration, BetOnline, and OnlyFans, was a star-studded evening in front of a packed house of nearly 18,000 roaring fans at Little Caesars Arena.

The championship headliner capped a stacked telecast that featured light heavyweight standout Atif Oberlton (15-0, 13 KO’s) scoring a first-round TKO stoppage after his opponent was forced to quit on the stool, to retain his WBA Continental USA title and capture the US Continental WBC strap, Danielle Perkins (6-1, 3 KO’s) claiming the WBA Light Heavyweight World Title with a sixth-round KO, and unbeaten heavyweight Pryce Taylor (11-0, 7 KO’s) delivering a statement TKO victory, underscoring a night that blended championship stakes, explosive finishes, and Detroit fight-night energy from top to bottom.

From the opening bell, the rematch erupted into immediate, high-level warfare, two champions meeting center ring with vengeance, pride and undisputed gold on the line. Franchon Crews-Dezurn forced Claressa Shields to fight from the first second, setting a relentless tempo and refusing to give ground, proving herself a worthy dance partner on the sport’s biggest stage. Shields, however, proved to be the sharper technician and ultimately the better dancer, establishing control behind a piston-like jab and punishing left hook that repeatedly split Crews-Dezurn’s guard. By the second round, Shields’ punch output was already creating visible damage, yet Crews-Dezurn continued pressing forward, answering exchanges and keeping the fight fiercely competitive.

As the bout progressed, Shields’ comfort at heavyweight became increasingly evident, she unleashed rapid-fire combinations in eight- and nine-punch bursts, surpassing 100 power punches landed by the fourth round. Still, Crews-Dezurn’s resilience never wavered; bloodied but unbowed, she forced Shields to dig deep and earn every round. Shields’ conditioning and ring generalship ultimately proved decisive, as she managed her breathing, controlled distance, and invested steadily to the body before closing strong in the championship rounds. When the final bell sounded, both women stood toe-to-toe one last time before embracing, a mutual acknowledgement and respect for another, of a fiercely competitive battle that instantly felt like a Detroit classic.

Judges scored the bout 100-90 across the board.

“This fight felt like I took my time,” said Shields. “Franchon is tough, she really is the Heavy Hitting Diva. This was the best fight I’ve ever fought in my career. I have real love for Franchon and I don’t have any hate in me for her, ever. I showcased my skill tonight. I want to thank all 18,000 fans that came out tonight. I want to thank my team, my coaches and everyone who was part of this victory.”

“I’ve always had real love and respect for Claressa,” said Crews-Dezurn. “We’ve shared the ring more than once, and that means something. Whenever the call comes, I’m always going to step up and take the fight, that’s who I am. I put everything on the line tonight, and I truly believe fights like this push women’s boxing forward. We’re showing the world what’s possible. Before I leave this sport, I’m going to make sure I leave my mark on it, and tonight proved that.”

With the win, Shields continues building on a historic résumé as the first boxer — male or female — to hold undisputed status in three weight divisions. Saturday’s performance showcased not just power, but maturity, pacing, and elite-level conditioning.

In the co-main event, rising light heavyweight standout Atif Oberlton delivered a first-round stoppage over Joseph George Jr., earning a TKO/retirement victory after a punishing opening frame. Oberlton came out sharp and aggressive, pressing the action early and forcing George to absorb heavy shots in close quarters. Following the round, George collapsed on his stool in a frightening moment that immediately drew concern from the arena. Medical personnel responded swiftly, and George was assisted from the ring before being transported for evaluation. He was later reported to be in stable condition.

Salita Promotions President Dmitriy Salita praised Oberlton’s trajectory while expressing concern for George.

“Atif is a superstar in the making. His walkout, his personality, it shines through the screens and to the fans,” said Salita. “Unfortunately, we wish his opponent well, and from what I understand, he’s okay. The fight didn’t go as long as we anticipated, so Atif didn’t get to showcase all his skills to the world. But I believe he’s just a fight or two away from being recognized as a real force in the division.”

Salita also highlighted the statement victory by Danielle Perkins, who delivered a dramatic knockout to capture the WBA Light Heavyweight World Title earlier in the night.

“What a great performance by Danielle Perkins. She cemented herself as one of the biggest names in women’s boxing, that was an exciting knockout,” Salita said. “She fits right in with the top names like Shadasia Green, Savannah Marshall, Raquel Miller and Franchon Crews-Dezurn. She’s talented, determined, and now a great world champion.”

Reflecting on the magnitude of the event, Salita called the night historic for both Detroit and the sport.

“Big time boxing is back in the city of Detroit. Tonight was absolutely historic for women’s boxing, maybe the biggest ever, with celebrities, athletes, politicians and fans supporting an undisputed heavyweight world title fight in one of the most prestigious arenas in the United States. The fight was epic, two future Hall of Famers putting it all on the line. Claressa Shields believed in herself before women’s boxing was a business. She became a two-time Olympic gold medalist and now she’s selling out arenas.”

The DAZN telecast featured explosive action across multiple divisions:

• Danielle Perkins (6-1, 3 KO’s) delivered a sixth-round knockout of Che Kenneally to claim the WBA Light Heavyweight World Title.
• Heavyweight contender Pryce Taylor (11-0, 7 KO’s) stopped James Evans in five rounds to remain unbeaten.

The ZEUS Network telecast delivered non-stop action featuring boxing’s next generation of talent:

• Edith Matthysse (21-16-1, 4 KOs) upset Samantha Worthington (12-1, 7 KOs). Worthington retired on her stool after Round 8, surrendering her interim title.
• Flint native, Sardius Simmons (6-0, 4 KO’s) def. Dylan Potter — Unanimous decision (40-36 across the board) in a four-round heavyweight bout.
• Michigan’s Lance Smith (6-0, 5 KO’s) def. Jorge Omar Vizcarrondo Pacheco — TKO (Round 3).
• Jasmine Hampton (2-0, 2 KO’s) def. Agustina Solange Vazquez — TKO (Round 5).
• Savannah Tini def. Vaida Masiokaite — Unanimous decision.
• Jaquan McElroy (5-0, 2 KO’s) def. Andre Johnson — Unanimous decision.
• Shannel Butler (7-0, 3 KO’s) def. Danila Ramos to become the new WBC International Featherweight Champion by Unanimous Decision.

Saturday’s event reinforced Detroit’s place as a thriving boxing hub and underscored Shields’ ability to not only headline but elevate an entire card. With live performances, celebrities in attendance and a fight performance that blended violence with virtuosity, Shields once again proved why she calls herself “The GWOAT” and why she is can’t-miss TV.

Howard Handler, President of 313 Presents, expressed his excitement for the success of the event.

“Tonight was everything we hoped for and more. A sold‑out, electric crowd witnessed two of the very best in the sport leave it all in the ring, and Claressa Shields and Franchon Crews‑Dezurn delivered a fight worthy of this stage,” said 313 Presents President Howard Handler.

“Detroit showed once again that it’s a world‑class fight city, and partnering with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records to create nights like this reminds us how powerful live sports can be for the city and its legacy.”

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ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS: 

Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including SHOWTIME, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

Check the Salita Promotions YOUTUBE CHANNEL for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action. 

ABOUT WYNN RECORDS: 

Wynn Records is a full-service talent and music agency specializing in artist development, management, brand partnerships, distribution, marketing, and touring. With strong expertise in music administration, digital strategy, licensing, and industry trends, Wynn provides tailored career guidance to help clients grow and succeed. Rooted in innovation and long-term vision, the company empowers artists, creatives, and athletes to maximize their visibility, revenue, and impact. 

ABOUT ZEUS NETWORK

Founded by Lemuel Plummer (also serves as CEO), The Zeus Network, is the first subscription-on-demand streaming service created by millennials for millennials. Launched in July 2018, the network features exclusive, original scripted, unscripted comedy, exclusive feature films, drama series and other premium content. Zeus is available to subscribers for $6.99 monthly on mobile phones and desktop computers at TheZeusNetwork.com. The Zeus mobile and connected TV apps are available on the Apple App store, Android TV, Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast and Smart TV providing access to anywhere, anytime, any device. Follow Zeus on Instagram and Facebook by using the handle @TheZeusNetwork.

ABOUT 313 PRESENTS:

313 Presents is Detroit’s premier live entertainment company. Inspired by the soul of Detroit, 313 Presents promotes and produces concerts, theatrical productions, sporting events and family shows at six world-class venues across southeast Michigan including Little Caesars Arena, the historic Fox Theatre featuring Proud Partner Comerica Bank, Comerica Park, Pine Knob Music Theatre Presented by Proud Partners United Wholesale Mortgage, Trinity Health and Ally, Meadow Brook Amphitheatre Presented by Oakland University Credit Union and Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre. Headquartered in The District Detroit, 313 Presents is a joint venture between Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and Pistons Sports & Entertainment. For additional information, visit 313Presents.com.

ABOUT DAZN:

DAZN, the home of European football, women’s football, boxing and MMA, and the NFL (excl. USA), is creating the world’s biggest sports entertainment platform. A leading sports streaming service in Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, France, Portugal, Japan, Taiwan, Canada, the US and UK, its wide range of content covers top-flight football from the world’s most popular competitions. DAZN’s football rights include Bundesliga, English Premier League, J.League, LALIGA, Ligue 1, Serie A, and the UEFA Champions League, making DAZN the largest broadcaster of football in Europe. DAZN is global home of women’s football, broadcasting the UEFA Women’s Champions League alongside top-tier domestic league and cup competitions.  

DAZN’s portfolio features the biggest sports and leagues from around the world – Formula 1, NFL, NBA, MotoGP, and the best in boxing and MMA. As the global home of NFL Game Pass, it is the only place for fans outside of the USA to watch every NFL match live.

DAZN is building the ultimate sports entertainment service, where fans from across the globe can watch, read, bet, play, share, socialise, buy tickets and merchandise, all in one place, with one account, one wallet and on one app.    

Photos Courtesy of Salita Promotions; Andrew Potter