Detroit — Going into Saturday’s match, Lani Daniels’ trainer John Conway described the opportunity for Daniels to go against Claressa Shields as the American Dream and a Cinderella Story.
It was Shields who had the fairytale ending, beating Daniels in a unanimous decision, winning 100-90 (10 rounds to none) on one judge’s card and 99-91 (9 rounds to 1) on the other two judges’ cards, and retaining her women’s world heavyweight boxing title.
Shields is now 17-0, with three knockouts. The Flint Native is 4-0 at Little Caesars Arena.
After the fight, Shields said that this was the last fight on her contract with Saliata Promotions. Shields been the headliner for every fight since Dmitry Salita decided to bring boxing back to Detroit in 2023.
Saturday’s victory lasted longer than her last fight at Little Caesars Arena, where she defeated Vanessa Lepage-Jonaisse in two rounds.
Daniels’ record falls to 11-3. She is the first New Zealand-born boxer of Māori descent to become a two-division world champion. Māori are indigenous people from New Zealand.
Before Shields walked to the ring with Rick Ross, Ali’s (2001) The Champ Is Here played on the speakers. It felt like you could hear all 15,366 in attendance as phones lit up and eyes followed Shields to the ring.
When the fighters reached the ring, Daniels was all smiles. Daniels, nicknamed the Smiling Assassin, grinned so wide you could see her full orange mouthguard.
Daniels’ smile quickly disappeared after the first round. Shields followed Daniels’ movement like a shadow. Shields looked for every opportunity to get Daniels in the corner.
Shields was aggressive; every punch was thrown with power. Daniels was more patient, looking for the perfect punch before striking.
Daniels kept moving. She jogged around the ring to make sure Shields didn’t land the perfect punch. As the rounds continued, Shields’ hands did not slow down.
In round eight, the roles reversed. Daniels was more aggressive in getting Shields into the corner. Daniels threw more punches before Shields was able to land a myriad of punches at the end of the round.
Shields had plenty of friends and family in the arena.
In the co-feature, Shields’ longtime friend and Detroit native Tony Harrison defeated Edward Diaz.
Shields’ friend Samatha Worthington also won her undercard fight against Victoire Piteau. Shields was seen on the ringside with a pink sparkling dress, the same color as her gloves. She was cheering for Worthington, whom Shields has said was there for her during hard times.
In the crowd, you could see a fan in the front row holding a fan with Shields’ face on it. Sitting next to her was Flint Native and former Detroit Piston Monte Morris. On Morris’ shirt was another Flint native, Morris Peterson, in a Michigan State Jersey.
Above the picture of Peterson, the shirt said Flint Magic. The Fire Inside, a movie about Shields, featured actor Jazmin Headley, who was also in attendance, singing the Black National Anthem.
It was a good night overall for Shields, who has used her platform to advocate for women fighters. The event featured women fighters from the past and present. One of those honored was Che Kenneally, who recently announced that she wants to fight Shields.
Shields left the fight still the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion. Daniels left the fight still smiling after a strong effort to beat Shields.
@Tarohnfinley
