It’s official: Claressa Shields has called Laila Ali’s bluff — and brought the bag with her.
In a major announcement made via video to TMZ Sports on Thursday, undisputed middleweight champion Claressa “GWOAT” Shields confirmed she has secured the full $15 million purse needed to tempt boxing icon Laila Ali out of retirement for what could become the most electrifying showdown in the history of women’s boxing.
“Laila, I’m here with my team. I got some great news for you. We got the $15 million!” Shields said in the video. “Let’s make a fight between me and you. The best versus the best. The greats versus the greats. The GWOAT versus Muhammad Ali’s daughter, Laila Ali. Let’s make it happen.”
Laila Ali Set the Price — And Shields Met It
Ali, 47, previously stated she had no real intention of returning to the ring unless someone offered her a purse in the $15 to $20 million range, a price tag many thought would keep the idea firmly in fantasy territory.
“I said unless somebody calls me and says they have it, we’re not even gonna 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.”
Now, that call has come.
Funding the Fight: Ruben Branson and Wynn Records Step In
Helping seal the historic deal is Ruben Branson, founder of Wynn Records, who reportedly issued the $15 million check directly to Shields. The investment marks a major crossover moment between sports and entertainment, with backing from the music industry adding extra glitz to an already star-powered bout.
While Ali has yet to issue a formal response, the ball is now firmly in her court. Fans are eagerly watching to see if the undefeated champion, daughter of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, will officially accept the challenge.
Legacy on the Line
If it happens, the fight would mark a generational clash between two titans: Ali, who retired undefeated at 24–0 with 21 knockouts, and Shields, the self-proclaimed “GWOAT” (Greatest Woman of All Time) with multiple undisputed titles across different weight classes and a pair of Olympic gold medals.
For Shields, 30, the matchup isn’t just about money, it’s about legacy.
“This is for history. For women. For boxing. Let’s give the world the fight it deserves,” she said.
Women’s Boxing Gets a Billion-Watt Boost
Should Ali agree to the bout, promoters and pundits are predicting record-breaking viewership and pay-per-view numbers.
The fight would mark one of the highest-paid events in women’s boxing history, signaling a seismic shift in both visibility and respect for the sport.
As of Friday afternoon, Ali has not responded to Shields’ official offer, but the world is watching.
