Laila Ali Says She’d Un-Retire To Fight Claressa Shields — But Only For $20M!

by Grace Somes
Laila Ali and Claressa Shields || Image credit: @thereallailaali @claressashields

Laila Ali might be coming out of retirement to get her back in the ring with rival Claressa “T-Rex” Shields.

The 47-year-old boxing legend and daughter of the late Muhammad Ali had tongues wagging this weekend after hinting that she’d consider coming out of retirement for one opponent only, Claressa Shields. But here’s the catch: it’s going to cost somebody at least $15 to $20 million.

While working the desk during Netflix’s boxing broadcast from Madison Square Garden on Friday, July 11, Ali was asked about long-standing rumors of a possible match-up with Shields, the self-proclaimed “GWOAT” (Greatest Woman of All Time). Her response was blunt, bold, and very on-brand.

“Unless somebody has $15–$20 million, don’t even call me about this,” she said in a video shared by Fight Hub TV. “I’m not trying to come back and fight, but if someone offered that kind of money, I would actually have to think about it.”

Ali, who retired undefeated in 2007 with a 24-0 record, hasn’t been shy about her disinterest in returning to the ring. But over the years, fans have dreamed of a generational battle between her and Shields, who’s currently dominating women’s boxing as a multi-division world champion. And for a while, it seemed like the fantasy might become reality.

Back in 2019, the two fighters engaged in a public war of words that lit up sports media. There were talks. There were headlines. There was hype. But when it came time to discuss money, the deal fell through.

But with Saudi sports mogul Turki Alalshikh dishing out massive purses to lure retired fighters and build blockbuster events, some folks are wondering if Laila’s number might finally get met.

As for Shields, she hasn’t responded publicly to the latest comments yet. But knowing her, a response is only a tweet or IG post away.

Now the only question is: who’s got that $20 million check? Because if they write it, Laila just might lace up.

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