GWOAT vs. Legend? Claressa Shields Calls Out Laila Ali Again, Claims $15M Is Waiting For The Fight
Undisputed boxing champion Claressa Shields is taking direct aim at retired legend Laila Ali, taunting the undefeated icon with a bold claim: not only could she beat Laila now, she says she would have knocked her out in her prime.
Appearing on DAZN’s Ariel x Ade Show, Shields didn’t hold back.
“My only motivation is to show her that she can’t beat me,” Shields declared. “And she damn sure can’t knock me out. If we fought in our prime, I would’ve still won. I would’ve knocked her out.”
Ali, who retired in 2007 with a perfect 24-0 record, is 17 years older than Shields and has been out of the ring for nearly two decades. But that hasn’t stopped the self-proclaimed “GWOAT” — Greatest Woman of All Time — from reigniting the dream match fantasy that has lingered among boxing fans for years.
$15 Million On The Table
According to Shields, this fantasy could be more real than anyone thought. She says a $15 million purse is already sitting in escrow, just waiting for Ali to step up.
“She’s been in the gym,” Shields claimed. “She told people she could beat me if she had enough time and the money was right. Well, the money’s there. So what’s the hold up?”
A Rivalry Fueled By Doubt
This isn’t the first time the two boxing icons have clashed outside the ring. Ali has previously questioned Shields’ strength and skill level — something Shields clearly hasn’t forgotten.
“She said I’m not strong enough or skilled enough,” Shields said. “So if that’s true, then why not prove it?”
Ali, the daughter of the late Muhammad Ali, has long been viewed as boxing royalty.
But Shields, the two-time Olympic gold medalist and undisputed champion in three weight classes, is aiming to cement her claim to the throne by challenging the legacy of the woman many see as the face of women’s boxing’s golden era.
Real Fight or War of Words?
Whether Ali will entertain the challenge remains unclear. The 47-year-old has previously shown hesitation about returning to the ring, but Shields’ repeated callouts — and the massive payday — may increase pressure for a response.
In the meantime, Shields is riding high after successfully defending her undisputed heavyweight crown, and she seems determined to settle the “GWOAT” debate once and for all.
“It’s not just about titles,” she said. “It’s about legacy. And I’m ready to prove mine.”
