Claressa Shields is gearing up to deliver what she calls a "G.W.O.A.T. show" this Saturday night at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, where she will face New Zealand's Lani Daniels in a highly anticipated undisputed heavyweight championship bout. The 30-year-old American, undefeated in 16 professional fights, will defend her five titles and seek to unify the IBF, WBC, WBF, and WBO belts in a showdown that promises to be a defining moment for women's boxing.
Shields, who proudly refers to herself as the Greatest Woman Of All Time (G.W.O.A.T.), expressed confidence and excitement during the press conference held at the arena on July 23, 2025. She boldly compared the upcoming fight to the recent Katie Taylor versus Amanda Serrano match at Madison Square Garden, stating, "There were good fights, but they did not put on a G.W.O.A.T. show." This fight, she insists, will be even bigger, spotlighting the continued rise and growing prominence of women's boxing.
Since turning professional in 2016, Shields has amassed an extraordinary record of 16-0 with three knockouts, capturing 17 world titles across multiple divisions. Her last fight was in February 2025 in her hometown of Flint, Michigan, where she out-pointed Danielle Perkins despite battling a torn labrum in her left shoulder. At the recent press conference, Shields assured fans she is now fully healthy and in better shape than ever, ready to bring her A-game against Daniels.
Lani Daniels, the 37-year-old challenger from New Zealand, enters the ring with an 11-2-2 record, including one knockout. She is the first New Zealand-born boxer of Māori descent to become a two-division world champion, proudly representing her indigenous heritage. Daniels last fought in September 2024, successfully defending her light heavyweight title against previously undefeated Bolatito Oluwole. Known as "The Smiling Assassin," Daniels brings a determined and gritty style to the ring, viewing this fight as a Cinderella story and a career-defining opportunity.
Daniels' strategy is expected to focus on disrupting Shields’ rhythm by applying pressure and fighting aggressively in close quarters. Her battle-tested mindset and willingness to take risks could pose a challenge to Shields’ typically controlled and tactical approach. However, Shields, with her Olympic pedigree, superior timing, and ring IQ, remains the favorite to dictate the tempo and distance throughout the fight.
Adding further intrigue to the event is Shields' recent decision to end her mixed martial arts (MMA) career, where she held a 2-1 record in the Professional Fighters League (PFL). This move signifies her renewed focus on boxing, where she has already cemented her legacy. "I'm done with MMA," Shields confirmed in interviews, emphasizing that her sole dedication is now to the sport where she reigns supreme.
Before the main event, Detroit native Tony Harrison will step into the ring against Edward Ulloa Diaz from the Dominican Republic. Harrison, with a 29-4-1 record and 21 knockouts, considers himself and Shields as a dynamic duo, likening their partnership to "Shaq and Kobe." Harrison aims to deliver a memorable performance, showing gratitude to Shields for her early career inspiration. Diaz, with a 15-6 record and 12 knockouts, will look to upset the local favorite in what promises to be an intense middleweight clash.
The fight card also features rising women fighters Samantha Worthington and Caroline Veyre, who have supported Shields through tough times. Worthington, from Lexington, Kentucky, is undefeated at 11-0 with seven knockouts and will face Victoire Piteau for the WBA interim super lightweight title. Veyre, hailing from Montreal, Quebec, holds a 9-1 record and will battle Licia Boudersa for the WBC Silver featherweight title. These bouts highlight the growing depth and talent in women's boxing, with many fighters representing Michigan and neighboring regions.
Shields’ manager, Mark Taffet, revealed that women have purchased the majority of tickets, reflecting the sport's expanding female fanbase. Additionally, more than 1,000 children are expected to attend the event through Shields' partnership with the Follow Your Dreams program, underscoring her commitment to inspiring the next generation.
The event, organized by Salita Promotions, is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET, with the main event expected to start around 11 p.m. ET. Fans in the United States can watch the fight exclusively on DAZN for $29.99, providing access to a high-voltage card that promises thrilling matchups across multiple weight classes.
Despite a brief one-month suspension earlier this year due to a positive marijuana test, Shields was officially exonerated after the Michigan Boxing Commission acknowledged procedural errors in the sample collection. The suspension was lifted, and Shields took to social media to declare, "Faulty test!!! The evidence proved it! The suspension was lifted a few days ago and today the complaint was closed! I am officially exonerated!" This cleared path allows her to focus fully on her pursuit of further boxing greatness.
As the boxing world watches closely, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The winner of Shields versus Daniels will not only unify the heavyweight titles but also claim undisputed reign over the division, becoming the undisputed queen of women's heavyweight boxing. Shields aims to extend her unbeaten record to 17-0, cementing her status as a generational talent, while Daniels seeks to pull off a stunning upset and claim her place among the sport's elite.
With styles set to clash and legacies on the line, the July 26 showdown at Little Caesars Arena is shaping up to be a landmark event in the history of women's boxing. Both fighters are primed to leave everything in the ring, promising fans a night of electrifying action and unforgettable moments.
