Laila Ali Shaded By Ex-Stepmom Over Shields Fight Offer
The boxing world is abuzz with the possibility of a monumental clash between two legends: Laila Ali, daughter of the late Muhammad Ali, and Claressa Shields, the self-proclaimed “GWOAT” (Greatest Woman of All Time). However, the drama surrounding this potential fight has taken an unexpected turn, with Muhammad Ali’s ex-wife, Khalilah Ali, publicly siding against her former stepdaughter, Laila.
The $15 Million Offer That Changed Everything
For years, the idea of a fight between Laila Ali and Claressa Shields seemed like nothing more than a fantasy fueled by media speculation and their mutual animosity. But during the recent Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano III fight week, Laila Ali, now 47 and retired since 2007, expressed her willingness to step into the ring—if the purse was right. She demanded a guaranteed $15-20 million to make the fight happen.
Claressa Shields, currently at the peak of her career, wasted no time in responding. In an interview with TMZ Sports, Shields announced that the $15 million purse had been secured, throwing down the gauntlet for Laila Ali. Shields declared, “Laila, I’m here with my team. I got some great news for you. We got the $15 million!”
Khalilah Ali’s Surprising Prediction
Amid the growing buzz, Khalilah Ali, Muhammad Ali’s former wife, made headlines with her candid remarks. During the weigh-ins for Shields’ upcoming fight, Khalilah was asked for her thoughts on the potential bout. She didn’t hold back, predicting a tough night for Laila Ali. “I don’t care how much money, she’s going to get whooped,” Khalilah stated bluntly.
When pressed further, Khalilah doubled down, predicting that the fight would end in the third or fourth round. Her reasoning? Laila’s age and long absence from the ring. At nearly 50 years old and two decades removed from her last fight, Khalilah believes Laila would struggle against the 30-year-old Shields, who is in her prime.
Khalilah, who was married to Muhammad Ali from 1967 to 1977, was also present at Shields’ recent bout at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday (July 26). Following the decisive victory over Lani Daniels, Khalilah once again hyped up Shields and shaded Laila. “I think Laila needs to stay in the kitchen,” she told Seconds Out, later repeating the remark during Shields’ post-fight press conference. She also declared to Shields, “You the champ. You the champ.”
A Rivalry Years in the Making
The tension between Laila Ali and Claressa Shields dates back to 2019, when Laila claimed that no current boxer could challenge her. While she didn’t name names, Shields took the comment personally, igniting a feud that has only grown more intense over the years. Shields has been vocal about her desire to cement her legacy as the best, and this fight could be the ultimate test.
Despite the criticism and trolling she’s faced for calling out Laila, Shields remains unfazed. She recently addressed her detractors on Instagram, laughing off the negativity and reiterating her commitment to proving herself in the ring.
Can Laila Ali Defy the Odds?
While Khalilah Ali’s comments may sting, they highlight the uphill battle Laila would face if she accepts the fight. Shields is younger, faster, and actively competing at the highest level. Meanwhile, Laila, though undefeated in her career, hasn’t fought professionally in nearly 20 years.
The question remains: Can Laila Ali turn back the clock and take on one of the most dominant fighters of this generation? Or will Claressa Shields solidify her claim as the true “GWOAT”?
