Claressa Shields has consistently stirred the pot with Laila Ali in recent years, going as far as telling the 47-year-old that she should stay in the kitchen and continue doing cooking shows instead of getting in the ring to fight her.
Ali (24-0, 21 KOs), the daughter of
Muhammad Ali, has not fought since retiring in 2007 and is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame. She’s built a lucrative second career for herself across television shows, modeling, books, a line of spice blends, and more.
But still, Shields wants to bring her out of retirement, going as far as offering
Ali $15 million in July for a fight.
Earlier this week, Shields quipped on the "Million Dollaz Worth of Game" Podcast that Ali is "just Muhammad Ali's daughter” and that “Ann Wolfe would have knocked Laila Ali's oh so pretty ass out.”
The latest insult seemed to be the straw that broke Ali’s back, because soon afterward, Ali posted a 30-minute video blasting Shields on how she’s been conducting herself.
“I am not going to let someone with bad character continue running freely and dragging my name without accountability,” said Ali. “This [video] is in response to the ongoing lies, harassment, and false narrative created by Claressa Shields.
“Since 2018, Claressa Shields has repeatedly used my name to gain visibility and build her public persona. Her obsession with being seen as a better fighter than me stems from her desire to be viewed as the greatest female boxer of all time. Shields has even drawn constant comparisons between herself and my father, while referring to herself as the self-proclaimed GWOAT.
“Although Shields often claims to uplift women in boxing, her support only extends as far as she is seen as being at the top. Her actions reveal a pattern of competition rooted in insecurity rather than empowerment. Unfortunately, this behavior has made her a toxic presence within women’s boxing and, more broadly, women’s sports.
“For years, I've chosen not to respond to Shields’ professional and personal attacks, allowing her character and legacy to speak on her behalf. I refused to feed into stereotypes of women tearing each other down or make the sport appear messy and divided. Aware that many people look up to me, I have always carried myself with composure and responsibility – representing women’s boxing with the dignity it deserves.
“Many have been misled by Shields’ public claims that I failed to support her out of jealousy – an accusation that is completely untrue.
“The facts are clear: I retired undefeated with a record of 24-0, including 21 knockouts. I am a world champion who held five world titles and am enshrined in the International Boxing Hall of Fame, alongside my legendary father. I have achieved unmatched success during my era, conquering every fighter who accepted the challenge and set a standard that still stands today.
“I have always supported, acknowledged, and celebrated other female fighters who show respect for the sport and for those who came before them. Claressa Shields is the only boxer who has intentionally and publicly positioned herself against me in an effort to elevate her own profile at my expense.
“It’s time for the truth to be told – let the record speak.”
As the video came to an end, Ali teased a follow-up to address the $15 million offer Shields made, and if she’s actually planning a comeback.
Manouk Akopyan is The Ring’s lead writer. Follow him on X and Instagram: @ManoukAkopyan.