Event Details
- Venue Location: Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA. This 20,000-seat multi-purpose arena, home to the Detroit Pistons and Red Wings, has hosted major boxing events since its 2017 opening. The ring setup is standard, with good sightlines for fans, but the high ceiling and large crowd can amplify noise, potentially affecting focus in a high-stakes bout. The fight is part of the undercard for the Claressa Shields vs. Franchon Crews-Dezurn II event, promoted by Salita Promotions and streamed on DAZN.
Ringwalks are scheduled for
the Kenneally-Perkins bout expected around 7:00-8:00 PM ET (4:00-5:00 PM PT / 1:00-2:00 AM GMT on February 22 in some time zones due to international broadcast). The overall event ringwalks begin at approximately 8:00 PM ET, but this 10-round contest is early on the undercard. Broadcast on DAZN (global streaming) and potentially local TV in the US/Mexico. Note: Some sources list the date as February 22 due to time zone differences, but the query specifies 02-21-2026, aligning with the main card kickoff.
This women’s light heavyweight title fight is for the WBA World Female Light Heavyweight Title, scheduled for 10 rounds (2 minutes each). It’s a co-feature on a card headlined by Shields-Crews-Dezurn II, emphasizing female boxing talent. The bout pits an undefeated Australian prospect against an experienced American, in a division gaining traction post-Shields’ heavyweight dominance.
Injury Report
Kenneally, coming off a December 2025 win, showed no lingering issues, while Perkins, who last fought in September 2025, has focused on recovery from a minor training strain earlier in the year but is cleared for full contact. However, monitor pre-fight medicals, as women’s boxing has seen increased scrutiny on weight cuts and hydration in light heavyweight (175 lbs) fights. No withdrawals or delays anticipated, but general boxing trends show 15-20% of undercard bouts affected by last-minute injuries in 2025-2026 events.
Fighter Matchups
- Che Kenneally (5-0-0, 2 KOs, Australia, Orthodox, 175 lbs): The 27-year-old undefeated prospect, promoted by T-Rex Promotions (Claressa Shields’ outfit), brings a technical boxing style with sharp jabs and footwork honed from her amateur background (over 50 wins). At 5’11” with a 72″ reach, she uses her height to control distance, favoring mid-range exchanges and counterpunching. Weaknesses include susceptibility to body shots in close quarters, as seen in her 2024 decision win over a pressure fighter. This is her first title shot and international debut outside Australia.
- Danielle Perkins (5-1-0, 2 KOs, USA, Southpaw, 175 lbs): The 43-year-old veteran from Houston, a former amateur standout (2019 World Championships bronze medalist), relies on power and southpaw angles for knockouts. At 6’0″ with a 74″ reach, her height advantage allows for effective clinch work and uppercuts. Her lone loss was to Shields in 2024 (UD), exposing vulnerabilities to speed and volume. Strengths include durability (never stopped) and experience against top competition. This fight marks her bid to unify at 175 lbs, leveraging her promoter Shields’ platform.
Style Clash: Kenneally’s orthodox precision vs. Perkins’ southpaw power creates a classic matchup. Kenneally may look to box from outside, using mobility to avoid Perkins’ heavy hooks. Perkins could force inside fighting, where her experience and size edge shine. Prediction: Kenneally’s youth and undefeated momentum could lead to a decision win if she avoids brawls, but Perkins’ knockout threat (40% KO rate) makes her dangerous in later rounds. Round total likely over 7.5, given both’s decision-heavy records.
Recent Form
- Che Kenneally: Undefeated in five pro fights since debuting in 2023. Recent: December 2025 – UD win over an unnamed Australian contender (96-94, showcasing improved stamina); September 2025 – TKO3 over a debuting fighter (body shots); June 2025 – UD (highlighting jab accuracy). Form rating: 9/10; on a confidence high, with two KOs in her last three, but untested against elite opposition. Training in Detroit with Shields has sharpened her skills.
- Danielle Perkins: 5-1 since turning pro in 2020. Recent: September 2025 – UD win over a mid-level opponent (97-93, dominant clinch work); June 2025 – TKO2 (power display); March 2025 – UD loss to Shields (heavyweight bout, exposed to volume punching). Form rating: 7/10; bounced back from loss but age (43) raises endurance questions. Her amateur pedigree (USA national champ) adds polish, but pro experience is limited to six fights.
Both enter with momentum, but Kenneally’s youth (27) vs. Perkins’ experience creates an intriguing dynamic. Perkins’ height advantage (6’0″ vs. 5’11”) could be neutralized by Kenneally’s speed.
Fight History
This is the first professional meeting between Kenneally and Perkins, with no amateur or sparring history reported. Kenneally, an Australian rising star, has fought exclusively down under until now, while Perkins, a U.S. Olympian (2020 alternate), has competed mostly in domestic bouts, including her loss to Shields. No bad blood; the fight stems from Perkins’ promotional ties to Shields and Kenneally’s title opportunity. The bout is for the WBA light heavyweight title, adding stakes in a sparse division. Historical context: Women’s light heavyweight fights are rare, with Shields’ influence pushing the category; this could be a unifier if Perkins wins, as she holds minor belts from previous wins.
FIGHT ODDS
Che Kenneally – 250
Danielle Perkins + 175
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 20, 2026
