The self proclaimed GWOAT, and women’s Undisputed world heavyweight champion Claressa Shields will defend her titles against IBF light-heavyweight champion Lani Daniels this Saturday July 26th. The fight will be held at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan.

Few would argue that Shields isn’t the greatest female boxer of all time. Her record is an impeccable one. She rose to prominence by winning not one, but two Olympic gold medals in boxing (2012 and 2016), becoming the first American boxer to win back to back Olympic medals.

Claressa Shields turned professional in 2016 and quickly became a superstar of the sport, holding multiple world titles in three weight classes: light middleweight, middleweight, and super middleweight. Shields is a two-division undisputed champion, having held all major titles in middleweight and super middleweight. Following that Shields won the WBC heavyweight and WBO light-heavyweight titles (contested at the 175-lb light-heavyweight limit) via a second-round TKO, flooring her opponent Vanessa Lepage-Joaniss 3 times before it was stopped. This victory made her a four-weight world champion and the first boxer in over a century, alongside Roy Jones Jr., to hold both middleweight and heavyweight titles.

Her opponent this weekend is a world champion in her own right. Lani Daniels holds the IBF World Light Heavyweight title. Although that title will not be on the line this weekend, as this bout is contested for Shields undisputed heavyweight gold. Daniels makes the walk on Saturday with a record of 15 fights, 11 wins, 2 loses and 2 draws.

If Daniels was to win this weekend it would be one of the biggest upsets in recent history. Think along similar lines to James Buster Douglas knocking out Mike Tyson in 1990. But hey, this is boxing. An especially in the higher weight divisions we all know anything can happen. But personally I see a Shields win, and her calling out Laila Ali for a super fight! She may even bring the 15 million dollar cheque with her to parade to the crowd following her victory. As that’s the sum Ali is reportedly asked for to return to the ring.

The card, promoted by Salita Promotions, will be broadcast live on DAZN, with the main card starting at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT. The undercard emphasizes women’s boxing with two high-stakes female bouts and also features a mix of local Detroit talent.

Enjoy the violence.
Phil.

Phillip Dean

Phillip Dean is a seasoned combat sports journalist from England, with over 27 years of ringside experience. Phillip delivers engaging, in-depth reporting on the world of combat sports.