Claressa Shields vs. Lani Daniels: Heavyweight Showdown in Detroit

Claressa Shields, the undisputed world heavyweight champion, is set to defend her titles against Lani Daniels, the IBF light-heavyweight champion, on 26 July 2025 at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. This highly anticipated match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the most formidable fighters in women's boxing.

Claressa Shields: A Boxing Phenomenon

At just 30 years old, Shields has already cemented her legacy in the sport. She became the first undisputed women's heavyweight champion with a unanimous points victory over Danielle Perkins in February 2025. This win added the IBF, WBO, and WBA heavyweight titles to her WBC belt, marking her 16th professional victory without a single loss.

Shields is no stranger to making history. She is the first boxer to become an undisputed world champion in three weight classes, having previously held undisputed titles in middleweight and light-middleweight. Her dominance in the ring has earned her a reputation as one of the greatest female boxers of all time.

Lani Daniels: A Worthy Challenger

Standing in Shields' way is Lani Daniels, a 36-year-old former IBF heavyweight champion from New Zealand. Daniels is on an impressive unbeaten streak, with nine consecutive bouts without a loss, including two draws. Her experience and resilience make her a formidable opponent for Shields.

The Road to the Fight

Shields' journey to this fight hasn't been without controversy. In February 2025, she was suspended by the Michigan commission after testing positive for marijuana following her victory over Perkins. However, the suspension was overturned after it was revealed that there were procedural errors during the collection of her samples.

Venue and Expectations

The fight will take place at the Little Caesars Arena, a venue known for hosting major sporting events. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Shields can continue her reign or if Daniels will pull off a historic upset.