Claressa Shields Replies Laila Ali, Calls Her ‘A Bitter Old Person’

Claressa Shields has responded to Laila Ali’s recent comments about their strained relationship, firing back with scathing criticism and accusations of jealousy.

The world of women’s boxing is no stranger to heated rivalries, but the latest clash between Claressa Shields and Laila Ali has taken things to a whole new level. What started as an interview comment by the retired boxing legend has spiraled into a war of words, with Claressa Shields firing back in a scathing Twitter rant that shocked fans.

In a recent interview, Laila Ali discussed her relationship with Shields, addressing the younger champion’s claims that she could beat Ali in the ring. While Ali acknowledged that it wasn’t wrong for Claressa to think highly of herself, she emphasized that Shields should be mindful of respecting her legacy. Ali also advised Claressa to avoid feuding with others and burning bridges if she wanted to go far in the boxing industry.

But Claressa didn’t take the advice lightly.

Taking to Twitter, Shields unleashed a series of fiery tweets aimed directly at Ali.

“Laila Ali is pressed…. How she gonna say I’m not gonna make it very far by burning bridges when I’ve made it farther than she has already,” Claressa wrote. “The fact is she’s been retired from boxing for 18 years. I have great relationships with great people & they are all Genuine.”

In the tweet, Shields didn’t hold back, accusing Ali of discouraging her from turning pro during the early stages of her career. “This the same lady told me don’t turn pro. Looks like turning pro worked & working out great for me!” Shields added.

Shields also made a point of highlighting the support she’s received from other boxing legends like Anne Wolfe and Lucia Rijker. “There are fighters from her era like ANNE WOLFE, Lucia Rijker who actually want to see the younger fighters win, those are the champions I respect. Laila is just another example of a bitter old person #GWOAT #FEB2nd.”

But Claressa didn’t stop there. In a follow-up tweet, she addressed the broader challenges faced by women in the sport, accusing “past greats” like Ali of not doing enough to uplift the current generation.

“Women’s boxing as a sport is already HARD ENOUGH! Then you gotta deal with the ‘past greats’ being haters & not contributing to the current state of the sport,” Shields wrote. “I can’t look at it any other way than hate & jealousy. GTFO. The stuff I’ve been doing is hard! If you are not willing to help, just move around.”

The feud has sparked mixed reactions among fans. Some sided with Shields, applauding her for standing up for herself. Others, however, defended Ali, arguing that her advice was not meant to tear Shields down but to guide her.