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Eric WoodyardJul 27, 2025, 12:50 AM ET
- Eric Woodyard covers the Detroit Lions for ESPN. He joined ESPN in September 2019 as an NBA reporter dedicated to the Midwest region before switching to his current role in April 2021. The Flint, Mich. native is a graduate of Western Michigan University and has authored/co-authored three books: “Wasted,” “Ethan’s Talent Search” and “All In: The Kelvin Torbert Story”. He is a proud parent of one son, Ethan.
DETROIT — Claressa Shields successfully defended her undisputed heavyweight crown with a unanimous decision victory versus tough-nosed, New Zealand native Lani Daniels at the Little Caesars Arena on Saturday night.
The judges scored the bout 100-90, 99-91, 99-91 in favor of Shields.
The victory marked the first time that Shields (17-0, 3 KOs) has fought twice in a calendar year since 2022. In February, she made history as the first boxer — man or woman — to achieve undisputed status in three weight divisions with a unanimous decision win over Danielle Perkins as a heavyweight in her hometown of Flint, Michigan.
Daniels, the reigning IBF light heavyweight champion, last fought in September and had won seven straight fights before the bout against Shields.
