A packed Little Caesars Arena in Detroit watched Claressa Shields and a host of local favorites return to action in a card that mixed showcase performances with a few anxious moments. Fans had barely taken their seats before “T-Rex” was chasing New Zealand’s Lani Daniels around the ring, looking to add another dominant win to her run at heavyweight.
Shields pressed behind jabs and looping rights, sweeping the early frames while Daniels circled the perimeter in search of counters. Mid-fight the visitor planted her feet and let her hands go, spending stretches of the eighth and ninth rounds trading chest-to-chest, but she could never dent the champion’s rhythm. When the final bell sounded, the judges returned cards of 100-90, 99-91 and 99-91, extending Shields’ unbeaten record and tightening her grip on all four major belts.
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The night’s main supporting bout gave Detroit its drama. Former 154-lb titleholder Tony Harrison boxed neatly for seven sessions against Mexican puncher Edward Ulloa Díaz, only to walk onto a right hand in the closing seconds of round nine. He beat the count, steadied himself during the minute’s rest and used movement and quick combinations to shade a tense tenth, securing verdicts of 96-93, 97-92 and 98-91.
Rising welterweight Samantha Worthington banked valuable rounds against crafty French southpaw Victoire Piteau. Worthington’s early lead proved enough when Piteau closed strong, the judges splitting 99-91, 96-94 and a level 95-95. Heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor opened the show, winning every session against Robert Simms and flashing the hand speed that has local fans whispering about his future.
Image Credit: Salita Promotions