Laila Ali firmly dismissed a $15 million fight offer and ended years of speculation about a potential match with Claressa Shields. Speaking on her podcast, "Laila Ali KO," she made it clear that there is no chance she will face Shields in the ring or reconcile with her.
Ali expressed strong disapproval of Shields due to ongoing personal attacks and disrespect. She said:
“After years of blatant lies and vile disrespect, making unsolicited negative remarks about me, questioning the legitimacy of my boxing legacy, and having the audacity to cross the line by disrespecting my deceased father, trying to use his name to discredit his daughter.”
She emphasized that Shields’s use of Muhammad Ali’s name was unacceptable and crossed a boundary that cannot be repaired.
Ali declared unequivocally:
“She will not be rewarded with the opportunity to share the ring with me or anything else.”
At 47 years old, the retired boxing champion maintained her position against a high-paying fight offer amid years of conflict and false claims.
Laila Ali decisively closed the door on any future fight or reconciliation with Claressa Shields, citing disrespect and personal attacks, including references to her late father.
This statement reveals how personal respect and legacy can outweigh even the most lucrative opportunities in professional sports rivalries.