Franchón Crews-Dezurn, ′The Heavy Hitting Diva′ Made History Becoming the Undisputed Super-Middleweight World Champ

One of the greatest things you can do in life is to discover your purpose and passion while you still have time to pursue them. For so many, that’s a far-fetched possibility. Simply because some aren’t willing to go outside of their comfort zone to obtain it.

Franchón Crews-Dezurn, a world-class boxer, didn’t have to dig deep to find what ignited her soul. It was apparent to her that, although she wanted wholeheartedly to be a musical artist, her journey was shifted in another direction. Her awareness of who she was as a female and a fighter at a young age, gave her the instinct and the confidence to follow her heart in boxing. And that, she did. Today, she is undisputedly the super-middleweight champ. And her boxer husband, Glenn Dezurn Jr., constantly cheers for and motivates her every step of the way, just as she does the same for him.

But her talents don’t stop at fighting, Crews-Dezurn is also a talented singer and songwriter who plans to put out her music one day. She’s also skilled in carpentry and is a rising fashion designer who uses her gift to make boxing outfits for her clients. She plans to one day expand into other fashion areas.

Here is the conversation I had with Franchón Crews-Dezurn as she talks about her career, her confidence, and what she’s up to.

Everyone has a story. Tell us a little about your beginnings and what led you on the road to boxing?

I’m originally from Virginia and moved to Baltimore when I was younger. Boxing kind of randomly landed in my lap but it wasn’t foreign to me. I’ve always been a fighter and was a good street fighter, especially having all brothers lol. My true aspiration was to be a major singer/songwriter, but back then my body type and looks didn’t quite fit the mold.

My mentor suggested I lose a little weight as a person who will work hard to get what I want. Already being athletic, it still wasn’t good enough for the standard back then. So, one day I was in the studio recording music and my two friends said you can lose five pounds in one day with boxing. I went with them to the boxing gym and the rest was history.

You are the first female undisputed super-middleweight boxing champ in history. What does that feel like and what does it mean to you?

Well, it may sound weird but I’ve always seen myself as a champion and knew as a child I was destined for great things so accomplishing this feat feels very fulfilling. I think it’s cool that I continue and consistently have the opportunity to leave my mark in this world. By becoming the undisputed champion of the world, it means I have a lot more work to do because I’m never content and like to challenge myself because I am limitless.

Boxing is a mental sport followed by skills. How do you mentally prepare for a boxing match? What advice can you give to others about mentally preparing for something they want to do?

Boxing is a lot like life…. even though many say this, I live this and it always holds true. You have to always be prepared for the unexpected because life will knock the hell out of you just like in boxing. You can be in the best shape and the best skilled but it only takes one punch to end it all. You have to decide if you will stay down or get back up, get better and go harder. I mentally believe I am capable, able to adapt and overcome whatever… I’ll find a way to win.

If you want to do something, just try to surround yourself with like-minded, driven individuals who keep it real with you. Even if you come up short the first time, don’t take it as an “L” look at it as a lesson and learn.

Franchón Crews-Dezurn is pictured to the right.

In the process of fighting, what have you learned about yourself, and about not giving up?

I’ve been through a lot in this lifetime… I’m on my 5th life honestly. My boxing career coincided with my mother Sarah Marie Crews’ battle with chronic kidney disease. She fought to live and I fought to win. So, when I watched her take her last breath, I learned how to channel my pain into power. Pain can push you to places you didn’t know existed.

You are married to a fighter. What is having two fighters in the family like, and how does your husband contribute to your training?

My husband Glenn Dezurn Jr. is an active talented fighter who will be fighting soon. He’s been an intricate part of my boxing career because when everyone abandoned me including coaches, “friends”, and an organization at the 2012 Olympic trials, he was the only one that stuck by me, and said, “Don’t give up on myself.” He was just my friend at that time; he was the only one that would go running with me at 3 am to prepare. He told me I would “get it through the back door” and our journeys have been that way. We were training partners then and still are to this day. He is a huge part of why I am the undisputed champion of the world.

Our personal dynamic is regular, lol. We are best friends, business partners, and family. We have two cats and we just encourage each other to be the best versions of us we can be, but we also call each other out on our sh*t. This is why agape is the best way I can describe the love we share.

Not only are you a fighter but you’re also a designer, tell everyone about your brand H.H. Dezearned, and about what you design?

Well, I’m a creative from music, and carpentry to fashion. I live beautifying things. I’m a self-taught seamstress who was broke with expensive taste. I brought a $25 sewing machine from Craigslist to make boxing uniforms for Glenn and me. In my sport, it’s very important to me to look good, feel good, and in turn fight good. This is the mission statement of my brand.

I add the entertainment performer dynamic to my garments so that when other fighters book me, they want to feel like a star. I’ve created for world champions like Claressa Shields, Marlen Esparza, and other fighters coming up in the ranks. My undisputed uniform was inspired and dedicated to Lil Kim Queen of NYC because of her longevity and she’s a fashion icon. I’m expanding to traditional clothing also and looking to have my first showcase later this year.

You are also a professional singer and songwriter who has appeared on American Idol before. What are your plans as a singer?

Singing/songwriting is my first love and I’ve written and recorded many songs. I plan to put out an EP possibly having my music played at my fashion showcase. I would love to perform more and write for others. Boxing and becoming undisputed required relentless focused dedication. I’m back now for a little bit, lol.

What’s next for you?

I plan on defending my titles in another big fight and going for more history; possibly pursuing titles in another division, and challenging myself. I have a hit list that I will push to execute while raising the profile of women’s boxing using my platform. I’m excited to be doing more mainstream things and building my brand outside of the boxing community.