Claressa Shields vs. Lani Daniels Preview

Claressa Shields puts her Undisputed Heavyweight Title on the line against IBF Light Heavyweight Champion Lani Daniels on July 26, as we preview this upcoming fight. 

Shields made history by becoming the undisputed champion in a third weight class after stopping Danielle Perkins in her last outing. She had already unified all the belts at 154 and 160, marking another milestone in her career. That win, however, came with controversy—Shields tested positive for marijuana post-fight.

She was later cleared after the Michigan Commission ruled that a “procedural error” occurred during sample collection. Daniels enters the fight in strong form, riding a seven-fight win streak while collecting titles at both heavyweight and light heavyweight. However, she faces arguably the greatest female boxer of all time. Shields is also open to boxing Laila Ali, knowing a victory could increase the interest in that fight.

Pre-Fight

“I’m not looking for the ref to stop the fight against Lani. I’m gonna make Lani quit. I’m gonna make her throw in the towel. Lani, if you come in there and you let your coach convince you to do that, you’re gonna be out quicker than what I thought. I would give you ‘til Round 6. You come out there and try to stand there in front of me and brawl with me, I promise you – you said stretcher today? You will be going out on one,” Shields

“We’re not going to box you. We’re going to fight you in a Muay Thai style. This how we’re going to win, and we’ll take home the belts and the American dream,” John Conway (Daniels’ coach)

Full Card

Claressa Shields vs Lani Daniels; Heavyweight

Tony Harrison vs Edward Diaz; Middleweight

Pryce Taylor vs Robert Simms; Heavyweight

Samantha Worthington vs Victoire Piteau; Super lightweight

Caroline Veyre vs Licia Boudersa; Featherweight