Claressa Shields vs. Lani Daniels live results, round-by-round updates, ring walks, start time for heavyweight title fight

Uncrowned has Claressa Shields vs. Lani Daniels live results, round-by-round updates, highlights, ring walks and start time for the Shields vs. Daniels fight card on Saturday night at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. Two-time Olympic champion and Michigan native Shields looks to make the first defense of her undisputed heavyweight championship against underdog Daniels in the main event.

Shields (16-0, 3 KOs) is Uncrowned’s No. 2 pound-for-pound women’s boxer in the world. A five-division world champion who has held 17 major world titles, Shields is the only boxer in history — regardless of gender — to become undisputed champion across three weight classes, having done so at super welterweight, middleweight, and most recently, heavyweight. Shields accomplished the latter feat in February with a dominating victory over Danielle Perkins to unify all four major heavyweight titles. Generally regarded as one of the greatest female boxers in history, Shields was also the subject of the recent Hollywood biopic, “The Fire Inside.”

New Zealand’s Daniels (11-2-2, 1 KO) steps into the biggest opportunity of her career riding a seven-fight win streak that culminated in a September 2024 defense of the IBF light heavyweight title over Bolatito Oluwole. In addition to that belt, Daniels also previously held the IBF heavyweight title in 2023.

Shields vs. Daniels begins at 6 p.m. ET on DAZN. Main event ring walks are expected at 10 p.m. ET.

Follow all of the action with Uncrowned’s live results and play-by-play of the main card below.

Main card (6 p.m. ET, DAZN)

Undisputed heavyweight title: Claressa Shields vs. Lani Daniels

Middleweight: Tony Harrison vs Edward Diaz

Heavyweight: Pryce Taylor vs Robert Simms

WBA super lightweight interim title: Samantha Worthington vs Victoire Piteau

Featherweight: Caroline Veyre vs. Licia Boudersa

Claressa Shields Returns Home to Defend Her Undisputed Throne Against Lani Daniels

On Saturday, Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena will host a historic night as Claressa “T-Rex” Shields, the first undisputed female heavyweight champion, makes the first defense of her title against New Zealander Lani Daniels.

Born in Flint, Michigan, Shields returns to her home state to showcase her championship before her fans. She secured the undisputed crown earlier this year after dominating undefeated Danielle Perkins in a grueling ten-round battle that marked a turning point in her career. Now, with her legacy on the line, she faces Daniels—a disciplined, respectful challenger determined to make her mark on the world stage.

At the Detroit press conference, Shields reaffirmed her confidence:

“There is no woman in the world who can beat me,” she declared. “I’m getting the big fights I want, and I’m ready to prove once again why I’m the best.”

Daniels acknowledged the challenge ahead:

“It’s an honor to share the ring with Claressa. We’ve trained hard and plan to put on a great fight. We’re coming to win.”

But July 26 won’t just be a night of punches—it will be a night of inspiration. Shields launched the “Follow Your Dreams” program, a community initiative in partnership with young actor and motivational speaker King Moore. Sponsored by SMT Financial Partners, the program will allow 1,000 Detroit children to attend the fight free of charge, offering them an unforgettable experience.

That night, Moore will perform the song “Follow Your Dreams” live in the center of the ring, surrounded by the invited children, in a heartfelt tribute aiming to inspire hope, self-esteem, and ambition in the next generation.

“I know what it’s like to grow up with big dreams and few resources,” Shields said. “I want Detroit’s youth to know they can achieve whatever they set their minds to. I am proof of that.”

Additionally, Shields donated 200 tickets to Detroit’s Downtown Boxing Gym, recognizing the gym’s vital role in mentoring local youth.

Promoter Dmitriy Salita placed Shields alongside legends like Ali, Tyson, and Joe Louis, referring to the heavyweight division as “the division of the greatest champions in history.” Howard Handler, president of 313 Presents, reinforced that legacy:

“Claressa is carrying women’s boxing on her shoulders and bringing it back to Detroit. This is already her home.”

Claressa Shields launches youth program “Follow Your Dreams” ahead of her fight against Lani Daniels

Before stepping into the ring to compete for the Undisputed Heavyweight World Championship, Claressa Shields proves once again that her impact goes far beyond boxing.

The undefeated champion announced the launch of the “Follow Your Dreams” program, an emotional community initiative in partnership with King Moore, a child actor, social media phenomenon, and youth motivator who is just nine years old.

The project is presented by SMT Financial Partners and will culminate on fight night, when 1,000 local children will attend the bout at Little Caesars Arena free of charge as part of an unforgettable experience.

The evening will include a powerful tribute to “Follow Your Dreams,” a message of hope, resilience, and faith in the future. Moore will perform his song of the same name live in front of the illuminated stadium, surrounded by the invited children, in a tribute that seeks to inspire an entire generation.

“I know what it’s like to grow up with big dreams and face big challenges,” Shields said. “That’s why it means so much to me to partner with King Moore and SMT to show the youth of Detroit that anything is possible. I want all the young people in that arena to feel recognized, supported, and inspired to pursue their dreams, just as I did,” Shields said.

Shields, who overcame a childhood marked by poverty in Michigan, remains committed to youth development in her community. “Follow Your Dreams” has benefited iconic Detroit programs such as the Children’s Boxing Center, Kronk/Emanuel Steward Champions of Tomorrow, the Police and Fire Youth Program, the Motor City Wolverines, the Arthur Eddy Academy, and various local schools and organizations.

Moore said, “Children are 50% of the population, but 100% of the future. I want those 1,000 kids at Little Caesars Arena to know that if they pursue their dreams, nothing is impossible!”

SMT CEO DJ Selph concluded, “When a child sees a champion, they believe they can be one. I am proud of the message these two champions are sending to our children.”

On July 26, Claressa Shields will defend her undisputed heavyweight championship against New Zealand’s Lani Daniels.

At a press conference in Detroit, Michigan, United States, to promote the Shields vs. Daniels fight, there was Motor City acceleration.

In attendance were Dmitriy Salita, president of Salita Promotions, Howard Hadler, president of 313 Presents, and Shields’ manager, Mark Taffet.

Fifty children and counselors from Detroit’s Downtown Boxing Gym were also in attendance. In appreciation of their efforts and hard work at the gym, Shields announced that she will give away 200 tickets to Detroit’s Downtown Boxing Gym for her fight on July 26.

Dmitriy Salita:

“Jack Johnson, Joe Louis, Floyd Patterson, Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Claressa Shields. The undisputed heavyweight world title has always been linked to American greatness and American champions. It is very difficult to win, and even more difficult to keep.

“On the one side of the ring, we will have two-time Olympic gold medalist, undisputed world champion in three divisions, and current undisputed heavyweight world champion Claressa Shields making her first defence of the women’s heavyweight title, right here in Detroit on July 26, live on DAZN.”

Claressa Shields:

“I’m very happy to be here. I want to honor and thank God for making this possible. I want to thank Papoose for his support. It means a lot to me. I fought here in Detroit last year when I knocked out Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse for the heavyweight title.

“The girls in the heavyweight division aren’t afraid of me, which is good because the ones who were a little smaller were intimidated. Now at heavyweight, I’m getting the biggest fights I want. I’m coming off a win against an opponent that everyone in the heavyweight division was avoiding: Danielle Perkins. The only one who didn’t avoid her was me. I went in and beat her up. I don’t think there’s a woman in the world who can beat me.”

Lani Daniels:

“We welcome everyone who came out to support this fight. It’s an honor and a privilege to be here. I want to thank Salita Promotions and Mark Taffet. Thank you, Claressa, for agreeing to fight me.

“Everyone knows who Claressa is, and it’s an honor to share the ring with her. My team and I respect boxing, and we respect you. We plan to come here next month and win. I’ve been preparing as best I can to put on an incredible fight. I know it will be an incredible fight.”

HOWARD HANDLER:

“It’s fantastic to have everyone at Little Caesars Arena, Detroit’s premier live entertainment venue. 313 Presents is extremely proud to partner with Salita Promotions to bring the GWOAT back to Detroit. This event is quickly becoming Claressa’s home, and we are excited to have a third fight. Claressa defended her title here in June 2023. She is truly carrying women’s boxing on her shoulders and bringing it back to Detroit.”

MARCOS TAFFET:

“In 2016, after winning her second Olympic gold medal, I met Claressa Shields, who was 21 at the time. She told me her goal was to be the greatest female boxer in history. I told her that, like Charles Atlas carrying the globe, she would carry women’s boxing on her shoulders to heights never imagined. She smiled and simply said, ‘Let’s go.’”

Claressa Shields faces Lani Daniels in Detroit, Michigan in July

Claressa Shields expresses confidence ahead of her next fight with Lani Daniels on July 26 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, MI. With just over a month to go, the fighters previewed their bout and went face-to-face at the press conference.

Unbeaten Shields (16-0, 3 KOs) makes her first defense of the undisputed heavyweight title. In her previous outing in front of her hometown crowd in February, the 30-year-old Flint, MI native scored a unanimous decision over Danielle Perkins. In her most recent ring appearance in Detroit last July, the three-division undisputed champion TKO’d Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse in the second round.

Ahead of their clash, Shields said she doesn’t think there’s an opponent who can defeat her. Daniels, who makes her U.S. debut, promised a “mean fight.”

“I’m so happy to be here,” Claressa Shields said. “I want to give the honor and thank you to God for making this happen. I want to thank Papoose for his support. It means a lot.”

“I fought here in Detroit last year when I knocked out Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse for the heavyweight title. Never in a million years did I think I would be fighting at heavyweight. I remember when it was first announced last year that I would be competing at heavyweight, it got a really big buzz. That’s when I took notice of all the other fighters at heavyweight for me to face.”

“The girls at the heavyweight division are not afraid of me, which is good because the girls who were a little bit smaller were intimidated. Now at heavyweight, I am getting the bigger fights I want. I’m coming off a victory against an opponent who was highly avoided from everyone in the heavyweight division in Danielle Perkins. The only person who didn’t avoid Danielle Perkins was me. I went in there and whooped Danielle Perkins.”

“At first, I thought this fight wasn’t going to be made. I got an email from my manager Mark Taffet, and he said she didn’t want to fight. So, I DM’d Daniels asking if she was scared of me. She said she was a little scared of me, but she can beat me.”

“I don’t think there’s a woman in the world that could beat me.”

‘It’s going to be a mean fight’

Two-division champion Daniels (11-2-2, 1 KO) of New Zealand currently holds the IBF title at light heavyweight. The 36-year-old, who previously held the IBF title at heavyweight, looks to get on the top of the divisions, claiming all four major straps.

“We welcome everyone who came along to support this fight,” Lani Daniels said. “It’s an honor and a privilege to be here. I’d like to thank Salita Promotions and Mark Taffet. Thank you, Claressa, for agreeing to fight me. Everyone knows who Claressa is, and it’s an honor to share the ring with her.”

“My team and I respect boxing, and we respect you. We are planning to come here next month and win. I’ve been preparing the best I can to give a mean fight. I know it’s going to be a mean fight.”

Among the bouts featured on the Shields vs Daniels undercard, former title challenger Licia Boudersa (23-3-2, 4 KOs) of France takes on French-born Canadian Olympian Caroline Veyre (9-1). The pair square off in a WBC featherweight title eliminator.

Plus, Samantha Worthington (23-8, 13 KOs) of Lexington, KY and Victoire Piteau (14-2, 2 KOs) of France go head-to-head at super lightweight, with the WBA interim belt at stake.

‘Like the female Mike Tyson’: Claressa Shields urges Lani Daniels to come prepared for their July 26 fight

Claressa Shields says the next time Lani Daniels sees her in person she’ll be in prime fighting form.

Claressa Shields and Lani Daniels held their press conference ahead of their scheduled fight and Shields essentially held court for most of the event, discussing how the fight came to be and later taking aim at Daniels.

“This fight is like the female Mike Tyson — ‘cause I’m telling you, you don’t want to brawl with me. You don’t want to do that, but I want you to. I don’t think you strong as Danielle Perkins. What you think?” Shields asked Daniels.

“She said she can beat Danielle Perkins, so maybe after I beat her July 26th you’ll fight against Danielle Perkins ‘cause all ya’ll girls are scared of Danielle Perkins and ya’ll girls scared of me, too.”

Lani Daniels would chime in to claim that she couldn’t be scared of Perkins as she never even heard of her before she just fought Shields.