While Claressa Shields dominated Lani Daniels with a flawless performance inside the ring in her undisputed heavyweight title win on Saturday, July 26, at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, it was 12 year old Jamaican-Canadian singer and actress Jazmin Headley who owned the moment before the first bell rang, delivering a stirring rendition of the Black National Anthem to a sold-out crowd of 15,366.
The crowd erupted into cheers as the young powerhouse’s voice filled the arena—many singing along in a scene that was as emotional as it was empowering.
“This performance is another one I’ll never forget,” said Headley, who portrayed a young Shields in the film ‘The Fire Inside,’ which hit U.S. theaters last December.
“When Claressa fought in Flint, I was there to sing and support her. But this one was on another level—sold out, and 71% of the audience were women. Black women supporting each other. I was part of a historic moment,” Headley stated.
Shields was impressed with Jazmin’s performance of the Black National Anthem, posting on Instagram after the fight, “This gave me chills.”
Before Shields entered the ring alongside rapper Rick Ross to the sound of “The Champ Is Here” from the film Ali, all eyes were on Headley, whose performance set a powerful tone for the night. Shields went on to win by unanimous decision, with one judge scoring the bout 100-90 and the others 99-91, securing her title and further solidifying her legacy as one of the greats in women’s boxing.
Backstage, Jazmin reflected on the pressure that comes with performing in such monumental moments.
“I always get nervous, which is natural,” she shared. “Pressure isn’t always a bad thing—it’s only bad when you fold under it.’ That advice stuck with me. My knees shake, but I tell myself I’m ready and I move forward,” she said.
Her mother, Deborah Myers, was visibly emotional as the crowd joined her daughter in song.
“They believed what Jazzy was singing,” she said. “With everything happening in the world, people heard her and responded. To see a mostly female crowd united in voice—it was beyond beautiful.”
The rising star is also busy building a robust musical career. She recently recorded a new single featuring reggae luminaries Richie Stephens and Bounty Killer.
Jazmin’s parents, Deborah Myers and Mark Headley, are from St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland, Jamaica, respectively.
“Jazz started recording with Bounty when she was just nine,” Deborah shared. “He’s been a huge influence and continues to support her. With Bounty heading to Toronto for an upcoming show, who knows? She may join her mentor on stage in her hometown.”
Jazmin is also inspiring a new generation of youth artists like 9-year-old rapper and activist King Moore, who was also in attendance.
“According to my calculations, mathematically, kids make up 50% of the population but are 100% of the future,” said Moore. “So parents and guardians, you must invest in the future now!”
From Jamaica to Canada and now Detroit, the pipeline of talent and legacy continues—and Jazmin Headley is just getting started.
