Claressa Shields Vs. Lani Daniels Breakdown

Claressa Shields and Lani Daniels face off on July 26 in an undisputed heavyweight championship showdown, as we look at how the fight could play out. 

Shields became a three-division undisputed champion by beating Danielle Perkins in her last bout. The win added to her prior undisputed status at 154 and 160 pounds. Her opponent, Lani Daniels, arrives with a seven-fight win streak. Daniels secured the IBF light heavyweight title after overcoming Desley Robinson in a majority decision. She then beat Bolatito Oluwole in her last bout, but this is her first fight at heavyweight. Shields is eyeing not just victory but momentum towards a potential $15 million megafight with Laila Ali. 

Pre-Fight

“I told everyone last month that this fight is going to be sold out. I have a very scary opponent in front of me. I have not taken her (Lani Daniels) lightly and respect her. I have to rise to the occasion and bring out a different beast. I am not trying to break her strong spirit,” Shields

“I am grateful to be here and have a voice. I am better at fighting than talking. I am about to fight the best woman on the planet. I am here for a reason and a purpose. It has always been more about boxing. It’s about my people (of New Zealand). I am here for a greater reason,” Daniels

Breakdown

Shields will look to dominate with her jab by doubling down on it. That will allow the champion to keep her range and change the levels of the jab to create openings, pushing Daniels onto the back foot. One of those openings could be her left hook on the counter. Daniels knows she must try to let off her shots, as Shields will otherwise pick her off. However, in doing so, Shields will look to catch her coming in. Shields’ key weapon is her right hand. She dropped Danielle Perkins and Vanessa Lepage-Joannise with that shot in her last two bouts. A similar shot landed could trouble Daniels, especially since it’s her first fight at the weight class. 

As for Daniels, she will have to utilise her footwork. A key part will involve ducking the punches and landing her left hooks on the inside. Daniels must change the angles and use head movement to avoid giving Shields a stationary target. This will involve staying composed under pressure, as she is boxing in Shields’ hometown of Detroit. The crowd will be against her, while Shields has boxed on the biggest stage. However, that gives her the incentive to leave everything in the ring. And with Shields speaking about a fight with Laila Ali, the champ may be in danger of overlooking Daniels.