The opening two rounds were fought at close quarters. Crews-Dezurn stepped in behind her guard, attempted to steer Shields toward the ropes, and dug short hooks to head and body. Shields kept her elbows tucked, caught most of it on the gloves and forearms, then fired compact counters once she circled back to mid-ring.
By the third, Shields set range with the jab. She stepped in behind straight shots, and forced Crews-Dezurn to reset before she could punch. A right hand inside in the fourth created space and brought the fight back to mid-ring, where Shields does her best work.
From the middle rounds on, Shields let three and four punch combinations go, mixing hooks and straight rights, then pivoted off to her left. Crews-Dezurn kept trying to close distance, but her feet slowed and she absorbed the cleaner shots in most exchanges.
The sixth round separated it. Shields picked up her workrate, stepped forward behind the jab, and drove Crews-Dezurn back with tight three and four punch combinations.
In the final two rounds, Shields managed the fight behind the jab and controlled the pace. She finished the tenth landing sharp punches without giving away position.
Afterward, Shields said, “One of the best fights of my professional career.”
The WBA, WBC, WBO and IBF belts remain with her. Those titles secure her position at the top of the division, though mandatory defenses will be ordered in time.
Shields said she wants Shadasia Green next and is willing to move down in weight to make that fight. She also stated she plans to take a break in 2027 to have a child.
An announced crowd of 17,000 attended, according to Salita Promotions.
On the undercard, Joseph George collapsed between rounds in his fight with Atif Oberlton and was transported to a local hospital. Promoter Dmitry Salita said George was in stable condition.
