Kelly Price sparks controversy after singing 'Lift Every Voice & Sing' before Claressa Shields fight

Claressa Shields’ return to the ring in Detroit was one of the most anticipated fights in women’s boxing—but the conversation started before the first punch was thrown.

Singer Kelly Price drew attention during the pre-fight ceremony after beginning the U.S. national anthem, then shifting into “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The moment quickly sparked confusion online and among viewers in attendance, particularly because the same song had already been performed earlier in the program.

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Journalist Jemele Hill reacted in real time, writing, “Kelly Price was supposed to do the national anthem. She did a couple lines and switched to doing ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’… even though another singer had just done the same song.” She added, “That seemed kind of odd. Not complaining. I was confused.”

“Lift Every Voice and Sing,” written by James Weldon Johnson and composed by J. Rosamond Johnson, has long held cultural significance and is often referred to as the Black national anthem. The hymn has been performed at major public events and sporting stages, including NFL games and national ceremonies, but its placement and repetition in this setting raised questions for some viewers.

The moment became part of the lead-in to a major fight night at Little Caesars Arena, where more than 17,000 fans gathered for Shields’ undisputed heavyweight title defense against longtime rival Franchon Crews-Dezurn.

Once the fight began, the focus shifted back to the ring.

Shields, entering the bout undefeated, faced Crews-Dezurn in a rematch of their 2016 pro debut. Both fighters came out active early, with Crews-Dezurn pressing forward in the opening rounds. As the fight progressed, Shields adjusted her approach, relying on timing and her jab to take control.

After 10 rounds, Shields secured a unanimous decision victory, with all three judges scoring the fight 100-90. The win moved her record to 18-0 and marked another successful defense of her undisputed heavyweight title.

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Following the fight, Shields acknowledged the challenge posed by her opponent. “I felt like I had to take my time. Franchon hits hard and she’s tough and you got to be very tricky with her,” she said. “She was trying to cause the upset today.”