The gloves are off — or maybe about to come on. Boxing fans are buzzing after a fiery exchange between two of the sport’s most iconic female champions: Claressa Shields and Laila Ali.
The prospect of a high-stakes match between the self-proclaimed “GWOAT” (Greatest Woman of All Time) and the daughter of the legendary Muhammad Ali has ignited debate online — and all eyes are now on the money.
In a recent resurfaced interview, Laila Ali, 46, was asked whether she’d ever consider stepping back into the ring, specifically against the reigning champ Claressa Shields. Her response? Only if the check has eight zeroes.
“Unless somebody calls me and says they have it, we not even going to have a conversation,” Ali said. “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 made it crystal clear that it would take somewhere between $15 million and $20 million to even tempt her out of retirement — and for good reason. She hasn’t fought since 2007, ending her career undefeated at 24-0 with 21 KOs. But Shields, 29, who’s made history as the first boxer (male or female) to be the undisputed champion in three different weight divisions, was not here for the soft talk.
The two-time Olympic gold medalist clapped back directly on X (formerly Twitter), putting Ali on notice in no uncertain terms:
“Now @TheRealLailaAli I’m the GREATEST NOW! Be careful what you ask for! You know I’ve been wanting to make you eat your words! You not a better boxer than me & at 175 I’ll put you on your back!”
GWOAT, indeed.
The Internet Rings In
Social media users have been reacting to what could be one of the most exciting boxing matches in history.
Some fans urged Claressa to humble herself, while others said Laila should take the bag and the L — and walk away $20 million richer.
- “Nah the disrespect to a legend of boxing is wild.”
- “Me personally….I’ll get knocked out & wake up 20 million richer. We already sleep for free 🤷🏾♂️
- “Now Clarissa please humble yourself and be respectful.”
- “She’s pretty damn good… undisputed in three weight divisions is impressive.”
- “Laila Ali last fight was in 2007. You don’t have the same mind and movement after 18 years!!”
And of course, someone had to sneak in a comment on Laila’s looks:
- “Laila still looks YES LAWD HAMMERCY.”
Outside the Ring: Claressa and Papoose
While the internet debates whether or not this fantasy fight will ever materialize, Claressa Shields is staying booked and unbothered. She recently went viral again, not for her hands, but for her heart, when she publicly flaunted her love for rapper Papoose in a cheeky outfit.
Wearing a white t-shirt that read, “Bs is weird,”* and shimmering gym shorts stamped with “This Belongs To Papoose” plus a handprint, the boxing phenom reminded everyone she’s just as confident outside the ring as she is inside of it.
Will It Happen?
A bout between Claressa Shields and Laila Ali would no doubt be one of the biggest (and richest) matchups in women’s boxing history.
But with Ali requiring a $20 million purse and Shields already laser-focused on her next chapter, it remains to be seen whether the fantasy fight becomes a reality — or stays a what-if for the ages.
But if Laila Ali’s phone rings with the right number? Let’s just say: Ding ding.
