Claressa Shields and Lani Daniels previewed their bout and went face-to-face on the closing press convention. The 2 fighters battle it out in the principle occasion at Little Caesars Area in Detroit, MI on July 26.
Flint’s three-division undisputed champion Shields (16-0, 3 KOs) defends her heavyweight title. The 30-year-old makes her second ring look of the 12 months after scoring a unanimous choice over Danielle Perkins in her earlier bout in February.
“I’m so grateful to share a card with Tony Harrison,” Shields mentioned. “I watched him combat right here in Detroit after I was 11 years previous. He’s simply as outgoing and loud as he was again then.”
“I’ve a really scary opponent in entrance of me. I’ve not taken her [Lani Daniels] frivolously and respect her. I’ve to rise to the event and convey out a distinct beast. I’m not attempting to interrupt her sturdy spirit.”
“I advised everybody final month that this combat goes to be offered out.”
“I do know 100% that I haven’t smoked marijuana. That was very surprising. One thing is improper with the swab check right here in Michigan. There must be higher testing.”
“I’m going to take a urine check the night time earlier than the combat on Friday, which is extra correct than the swab check.”
“My arm is totally healed. I’ll don’t have any excuses after combating Lani. I can nonetheless get the job achieved even when I solely have one arm.”
“I’m completely happy that Lani is completely happy. She known as me out final 12 months. I simply present up and combat. I’ve crushed the most effective girls in boxing. There isn’t a one for me to beat apart from the ladies put in entrance of me.”
Two-weight champion Daniels (11-2-2, 1 KO) from New Zealand appears to be like to drag off an upset and conquer the heavyweight class. The 37-year-old beforehand held the division’s IBF title and is the present IBF gentle heavyweight champion.
“I’m grateful to be right here and have a voice,” Daniels mentioned. “I’m higher at combating than speaking. I’m about to combat the most effective girl on the planet. I’m right here for a cause and a function.”
“It has at all times been extra about boxing. It’s about my individuals [of New Zealand]. I’m right here for a better cause.”
Tony Harrison returns in co-feature
The press convention additionally featured the fighters battling it out on the Shields vs Daniels undercard. Former champion Tony Harrison (29-4-1, 21 KOs) of Detroit returns to the ring towards Dominican Edward Ulloa Diaz (15-6, 12 KOs) at middleweight.
Harrison steps via the ropes for the primary time in over two years, since being stopped by Tim Tszyu within the ninth spherical.
“It has been a very long time coming since I’ve stood on a podium and talked some s**t,” Harrison mentioned.
“It’s time. I’ve been patiently ready at the back of the wing for a chance to current itself. Salita gave me that chance. I’m not ravenous for cash, however I really like the game of boxing.”
“I didn’t need to be 48 years previous earlier than any individual gave me the chance to choose up these gloves once more. With out Salita, I’d nonetheless be on the sofa figuring this factor out.”
“I used to be an a**gap for lots of years. I’m going to let my arms do the speaking. For me to be as loud as I used to be, it didn’t add up for me generally. We at all times have one thing to show. I grew to become world champion by changing into the baddest man in my division.”
“I’m right here to let my arms do the speaking and have enjoyable. I’m going to do it once more and drop the mic.”
On Shields vs Daniels undercard
Amongst different matchups, Samantha Worthington (23-8, 13 KOs) of Lexington, KY and Victoire Piteau (14-2, 2 KOs) of France conflict for the interim WBA tremendous light-weight title. French-born Canadian Olympian Caroline Veyre (9-1) and Licia Boudersa (23-3-2, 4 KOs) of France sq. off in a WBC featherweight title eliminator.
Pryce Taylor (8-0, 6 KOs) of Brooklyn, NY and Robert Simms (12-4-1, 3 KOs) of Saginaw, MI go head-to-head in an eight-rounder at heavyweight.
Among the many Shields vs Daniels prelims, Leon Lawson III (17-1, 10 KOs) of Flint, MI goes up towards Ryan Wilczak (11-1, 6 KOs) of Scranton, PA in an eight-rounder at middleweight. Plus, Da’Velle Smith (12-0, 8 KOs) of Dearborn, MI and Martez McGregor (9-8, 7 KOs) of Maywood, IL go toe-to-toe in an eight-rounder at tremendous middleweight.
