Last Updated on July 24, 2025 by Boxing Schedule
Claressa Shields defends her undisputed heavyweight crown in Detroit on Saturday, July 26, live on DAZN from Little Caesars Arena. She faces IBF light heavyweight champion Lani Daniels in the main event of a near sell-out card that includes former world champion Tony Harrison and rising heavyweight Pryce Taylor.
Shields wants another statement. Daniels wants to shock the world. And the entire Motor City is about to witness history—or heartbreak—up close.
Shields returns home, swab test drama, and Detroit fireworks
The self-proclaimed GWOAT, Claressa Shields (16-0, 3 KOs), makes her return to the ring in front of a hometown crowd, headlining the first undisputed heavyweight women’s title defense on Detroit soil. She’s not just fighting—she’s leading a movement.
Dmitriy Salita was selling it hard: “From Ford to Motown, Joe Louis to Tommy Hearns — Detroit’s always been first. On July 26, Claressa will make history again.” Translation: he’s betting this card prints money.
Shields isn’t downplaying the task. “I have a very scary opponent in front of me… I respect her,” she said. But she also made sure to call out the Michigan swab test that flagged her: “Something is wrong with the swab test here… I know 100 percent that I haven’t smoked marijuana.” She says she’ll take a urine test the night before to silence any doubters.
And that arm injury? “Completely healed. No excuses. Even with one arm, I get the job done.”
Lani Daniels (11-2-2, 1 KO) isn’t just turning up for a payday. “I’m better at fighting than talking,” she said, “I’m here for my people in New Zealand. For a purpose.”
Oh, and Detroit’s own Tony Harrison is back too. “I was an a**hole for a lot of years,” he said. “Now I’m gonna let my hands do the talking.” He also said he didn’t want to be 48 before someone gave him another fight. Fair play.
Fight Details
-
Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
-
Time: 10 p.m. ET / 3 a.m. BST / 4 a.m. CET
-
Venue: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
-
Broadcast: Live on DAZN
-
Tickets: Over 15,000 sold—71% to women; second mezzanine opened to meet demand
Fight Card
Claressa Shields vs Lani Daniels – Undisputed Heavyweight World Championship
Samantha Worthington (11-0-0) vs. Victoire Piteau (14-2-0): 10 rounds, for the vacant WBA women’s junior welterweight interim title
Tony Harrison (29-4-1) vs. Edward Ulloa Diaz: 10 rounds, middleweight
Pryce Taylor (8-0-0) vs. Robert Simms (12-4-1): Eight rounds, heavyweight
Leon Lawson III (17-1-0) vs. Ryan Wilczak (11-1-0): Eight rounds, middleweight
Da’Velle Smith (12-0-0) vs. Martez McGregor (9-8-0): Eight rounds, super middleweight
Key Storylines
-
Swab Test Controversy: Shields publicly challenged Detroit’s swab test after it flagged her for marijuana. She’s scheduled for a urine test on fight night to clear her name.
-
Arm Injury Update: Shields insists her previously injured arm is “completely healed”—no excuses under the lights.
-
Undercard Highlights:
-
Tony Harrison vs. Edward Ulloa Diaz (Middleweight): Harrison vows to “let my hands do the talking.”
-
Pryce Taylor vs. Robert Simms (Heavyweight): A rising prospect looks to make a statement.
-
Samantha Worthington vs. Victoire Piteau (WBA Interim Jr. Welterweight Title)
-
How to Watch & Follow
-
DAZN Subscription: Available worldwide; stream on mobile, desktop or connected TV.
-
Social Media: Follow @ClaressaShields and @LaniDanielsBoxing on Twitter and Instagram for behind‑the‑scenes content.
-
Official Hashtags: #ShieldsDaniels #UndisputedHeavyweight