Laila Ali and current champion Claressa Shields’ long-standing rivalry has finally taken a definitive turn, with Laila making her position unmistakably clear.
After years of back-and-forth exchanges, interviews, and both subtle and overt challenges, the daughter of the legendary Muhammad Ali has officially responded to Claressa’s persistent call for a fight.
In a recent video on her YouTube channel, Laila straightforwardly addressed whether she would consider coming out of retirement to face the self-proclaimed “Greatest Woman of All Time” (GWOAT).
At 46 years old, Laila Ali has no plans to return to the ring. Retiring undefeated in 2007 with an impressive record of 24 wins, 1 loss, and 21 knockouts, she took time in her nearly 30-minute video to unpack the ongoing drama. Laila accused Claressa of “blatant lies and vile disrespect,” emphasizing that the younger champion has crossed too many boundaries, particularly by involving her late father, Muhammad Ali, in their feud.
“After years of unsolicited negativity, questioning my legacy, and having the audacity to disrespect my deceased father,” Laila declared, “she will not be rewarded with the opportunity to share the ring with me, or anything else.”
Her statement was more than just a refusal; it was a firm declaration of her boundaries. Laila Ali made it clear that Claressa Shields’ ongoing efforts to provoke her, including public challenges and claims that she was ready to invest millions to facilitate a match, were unsuccessful.
“So, did her plan work? Did she make me mad enough to come out of retirement after 18 years and start training again to make her dream come true? Absolutely not,” Laila Ali asserted.
This situation marks a conclusion to a feud that has dominated interviews, social media discussions, and headlines. While Claressa Shields, 30, is one of boxing’s most accomplished fighters, with multiple titles across three weight divisions and two Olympic gold medals, her hopes of facing Ali in the ring have now been definitively dismissed.
