Claressa Shields boxing fight: Live updates for heavyweight bout with Lani Daniels

The Olympic gold medalist and undisputed heavyweight champion in women's boxing makes her first defense of the heavyweight title as a heavy favorite Saturday, July 26, against Lani Daniels at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

Shields, the self-proclaimed greatest women's boxer of all-time, who was just elected to the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame's class of 2025, is the only boxer, male or female, to hold all four major world titles in three weight classes.

Daniels' IBF light heavyweight title, won in 2023 and successfully defended in her most recent fight in September 2024, is also up for grabs. This is Daniels' first-ever fight outside her native New Zealand.

Shields' most recent fight came Feb. 2 in Flint, in a 10-round unanimous decision against Danielle Perkins, shrugging off a shoulder injury for a historic third undisputed world title.

However, after the fight, Shields was tested for marijuana by the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission, which reported a false-positive test. Shields defended herself, saying she had "never smoked weed," and the commission later determined it was a "procedural error." Shields, suspended for one month, has been cleared of wrongdoing and promised to prepare for a "spectacular knockout" in this bout.

We will have live updates ringside from Little Caesars Arena, tracking results from the undercards and round-by-round analysis from the main event of Shields vs Daniels. Main event ringwalks are scheduled for 10 p.m. Follow along below.

Updates to come.

Broadcast card: Pryce Taylor defeats Robert Simms

Pryce Taylor handed Michigan its first loss of the night as he defeated Saginaw native Robert Simms by unanimous decision, 80-72. Simms was clearly outmatched for most of the night, assuming a defensive stance that Taylor penetrated again and again with jabs to the face. "The Pryce is Right" was faster and clearly wanted to utilize his speed, but was forced to fight at Simms' slower pace, leading to a fight with only sporadic action. As their native son lost in an unsatisfying fashion, a restless crowd of 15,366 was booing throughout the fight. Pryce is now 9-0.

Broadcast card: Samantha Worthington defeats Victoire Piteau to claim WBA Super Lightweight World Interim title

Samantha Worthington defeated Victoire Piteau by unanimous decision, 99-91, 95-95, 96-94, in 10 rounds to claim the WBA Super Lightweight World Interim title. The 29-year-old claimed the belt despite Piteau's surge in the later rounds where she battered Worthington, forcing the typically-aggressive Worthington into a more defensive stance. Worthington still prevailed, however, seizing the upper hand in the earlier rounds and pulling out a victory in the closest mach of the night so far. Worthington is now 12-0.

Broadcast card: Caroline Veyre defeats Licia Boudersa, claims WBC Silver Featherweight title

Caroline Veyre throws a punch against Licia Boudersa during their WBC Silver Featherweight Title fight at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Saturday, July 26, 2025.

Caroline Veyre defeated Licia Boudersa for the WBC Silver Featherweight title by unanimous decision, 99-91, 98-92, 99-91, in 10 rounds. The Montreal native bested the French fighter in an intense and bloody match. While Veyre had the upper hand early, battering Boudersa and drawing first blood in the sixth, Boudersa found her rhythm in the eighth and ninth rounds, landing more punches on Veyre. Ultimately, Veyre's speed and nimbleness were too much for Boudersa. Veyre moves to 10-1 in her career.

Undercard: Ryan Wilczak-Leon Lawson III fight postponed

The Ryan Wilczak-Leon Lawson III fight will now be contested after the conclusion of the Shields-Daniels match later tonight as there was not enough time to complete the match before the start of the broadcast at 8 p.m.

Undercard: Da'Velle Smith defeats Martez McGregor

Martez McGregor throws a punch against Da’Velle Smith during their Super Middleweight fight at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Saturday, July 26, 2025.

Five straight Michigan natives have won their bouts as Da'Velle Smith defeated Martez McGregor by unanimous decision, 79-72, 80-71, 80-71. Smith, boxing in his hometown, recorded a knockdown in the fifth round and thoroughly overpowered McGregor in eight to remain undefeated. He is now 13-0 in the super middleweights.

Undercard: Cameran Pankey defeats Dominique Griffin

Pontiac native Cameran Pankey defeated Dominque Griffin by unanimous judge decision, 59-55, 60-54, 59-55, in six rounds in the featherweight category. Pankey overwhelmed Griffin with frequent flurries of punches that the Texas native had no response for. Pankey moves to 12-1 in his career.

Undercard: Kahmel Makled, Jaquan McElroy win bouts

Kahmel Makled dodges a punch from Devario Hauser during their Light Heavyweight fight at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Saturday, July 26, 2025.

Macomb fighter Kahmel Makled won his third pro fight as a light heavyweight, defeating Devario Hauser via TKO in Hauser's pro debut. Makled scored three knockdowns before the bout was decided by referee stoppage.

Flint native Jaquan McElroy defeated Joshua Flores in four rounds in the middleweights. McElroy scored a knockdown en route to a unanimous decision victory.

Undercard: Sardius Simmons downs Demetrius Banks by decision

By unanimous decision, Flint native Sardius Simmons defeated Detroit native Demetrius Banks, 40-36, in four rounds. Simmons, a decorated amateur, won his pro debut in June and is now 2-0 in his career.

Claressa Shields fight today start time

Boxers Claressa Shields and Lani Daniels face off at a news conference June 16, 2025 in Little Caesars Arena in Detroit to promote their upcoming fight.

• Date: Saturday, July 26.
• Venue: Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan.
• Undercard start: 5:30 p.m. ET.
• DAZN broadcast fight card: 8 p.m. ET. (available to watch).
• Claressa Shields vs Lani Daniels main event ringwalks: 10 p.m. ET.

What apps have DAZN?

Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Amazon Fire Tablet, Android Phone & Tablet, iPhone & iPad, Android TV, LG, Smart TV, Panasonic Smart TV, Samsung Smart TV, Sony Smart TV, SmartCast, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Roku.

Fights tonight ahead of Claressa Shields vs Lani Daniels

The broadcast card features five fights: three women’s fights and two men’s fights, with Shields-Daniels as the final battle:

• Samantha Worthington (11-0-0) vs. Victoire Piteau (14-2-0) for the WBA Super Lightweight World Interim Title.
• Caroline Veyre (9-1) vs. Licia Boudersa (23-3-2) for the WBA Silver Featherweight Title.
• Undefeated heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor (8-0-0) vs. Saginaw native Robert Simms (12-4-1).
• Former WBC Super Welterweight World Champion (and Detroit native) Tony Harrison (29-4-1) vs middleweight contender Edward Ulloa Diaz (15-6-0).
• Claressa Shields (16-0, 3 KOs) vs Lani Daniels (11-2-2).

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