Claressa Shields reveals Laila Ali turned down $15M fight offer

Claressa Shields Reveals Laila Ali Is Scared to Fight Her

The buzz around a potential showdown between two female boxing legends — Claressa Shields and Laila Ali — has reached a fever pitch in recent weeks. Claressa Shields, a dominant force in women’s boxing, recently revealed that Laila Ali declined her generous $15 million fight offer, stating that Ali is “scared” to step into the ring with her.

The public exchange began after Laila Ali, who has carved her own legendary status in boxing, mentioned in an interview that she would fight Claressa — but only for the right dollar amount. Claressa, a no-nonsense competitor, wasted no time responding. She posted a video holding up a $15 million check made out to Laila Ali, signaling her readiness to fight and defeat Ali in the ring.

This call-out has reignited conversations about one of the most anticipated female boxing matchups in history. Fans and insiders alike are eager to see if this rivalry will finally culminate in a bout that could shatter records and further elevate women’s boxing globally.

Claressa Shields: A Historic Career of Dominance and Records

Claressa Maria Shields, born March 17, 1995, has not only reshaped the landscape of women’s boxing but has also firmly established herself as one of the greatest boxers of all time, male or female. Shields has an unprecedented record of 18 major world championships spanning five weight classes. This includes holding the undisputed female light middleweight title as of March 2021, reclaiming the undisputed female middleweight title twice between 2019 and 2024. Most recently, in February 2025, Shields added the World Boxing Organization (WBO) female light heavyweight title and the undisputed female heavyweight title to her resume, solidifying her as a force across multiple divisions.

Shields holds a historic place in boxing as the only athlete, male or female, to hold all four major world titles — WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO — across three weight classes. Additionally, she ranks as the third female boxer ever to become champion in five different divisions, joining the ranks of Amanda Serrano and Naoko Fujioka. Shields also boasts the record for becoming a two, three, four, and five-division world champion in the fewest professional fights, underscoring her rapid rise and dominance.

Her ascent began in the amateur ranks with a decorated career, highlighted by winning gold medals in the women’s middleweight division at both the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. This made her the first American boxer to win consecutive Olympic medals and the first American woman ever to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing. At just 16 years old, she was the youngest boxer to win the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials, showing early signs of her extraordinary talent and tenacity.

A Trailblazer for Women Everywhere

Claressa’s professional accolades include multiple “Female Fighter of the Year” awards by the Boxing Writers Association of America. Receiving the honor in both 2018 and 2022. Alongside her boxing career, Shields also ventured briefly into professional mixed martial arts. Ultimately, competing in the Professional Fighters League, further demonstrating her versatility and fighting spirit.

Ranked as the world’s best active female middleweight by BoxRec and recognized as the best active female boxer, pound-for-pound, by ESPN and The Ring as of late 2022. Claressa Shields embodies the pinnacle of achievement and respect in women’s boxing today.

Her willingness to back up her confidence with a $15 million fight offer to Laila Ali is not surprising given her competitive nature and historic accomplishments. Shields is hungry to continue building her legacy. While pushing female boxing into a new era of visibility and financial reward.

Laila Ali: An Undefeated Legacy in Women’s Boxing

Laila Amaria Ali, born December 30, 1977, is an American television personality and retired professional boxer whose undefeated career from 1999 to 2007 left an indelible mark on the sport. Throughout her professional tenure, Ali held multiple world titles. Including the WBC, WIBA, IWBF, and IBA female super middleweight championships, as well as the IWBF light heavyweight title. She successfully defended her titles several times, cementing her reputation as one of the greatest female boxers in history.

Widely respected within boxing circles and by fans alike, Laila Ali carries the legacy of her father, the legendary Muhammad Ali. She carved out her own distinct path in the sport. Further combining skill, power, and charisma that captivated audiences and raised the profile of female boxing.

Among her many accolades, Laila was honored with the AOCA Awakening Outstanding Contribution Award in 2012. Ultimately, recognizing her influence both inside and outside the ring. Her reign included two defenses of the WBC World Super Middleweight title between 2005 and 2007. With five defenses of the WIBA World Super Middleweight title from 2002 to 2007. She also held the IWBF Female Light Heavyweight title in 2004, and between 2002 and 2004 she defended the IWBF Female Super Middleweight title twice. Along with four successful defenses of the IBA Female Super Middleweight title.

Laila’s undefeated record and multiple championships reflect not only her dominance in the ring but also her dedication to elevating women’s boxing on a global stage. As she considers the possibility of facing Claressa Shields, the boxing community waits with bated breath. Eager to witness what could be the biggest female boxing showdown in history.

What $15 Million Means in Women’s Boxing

A $15 million fight offer is groundbreaking in female boxing. A sport that has historically been underfunded and overshadowed by its male counterpart. For Claressa Shields to put that kind of money on the table signals a shift toward greater recognition. While highlighting financial reward for women fighters.

If the fight happens, it could become one of the highest-grossing female boxing events in history. Further, elevating the sport’s profile and setting a new benchmark for pay equity in combat sports.

Fans are excited about the possibility of a major payday and an unforgettable fight, while analysts speculate on how such a match would impact future opportunities for female fighters worldwide.

Fans React to the Fight Drama

The ongoing back-and-forth has sparked viral debates across social media platforms. Many fans are split — some side with Claressa’s boldness, admiring her for calling out a legend like Laila Ali and putting up a massive purse. Others appreciate Laila’s legendary career and understand her hesitation about stepping back into such a high-stakes fight.

Tweets, comments, and online forums are buzzing with opinions. With some users praising Claressa’s hustle and others expressing excitement for a historic match.

This public conversation highlights the deep passion fans have for female boxing. In addition to their hunger to see the sport rise to new heights through marquee matchups like this one.

What This Fight Could Mean for Women’s Boxing

A potential fight between Claressa Shields and Laila Ali isn’t just a bout — it’s a landmark event for women’s boxing. A showdown of this magnitude could:

• Draw unprecedented attention and media coverage to female boxing
• Increase sponsorship and endorsement opportunities for women fighters
• Inspire the next generation of female athletes worldwide
• Push for greater pay equality within boxing and combat sports

For years, female boxing has fought for recognition and respect. A Shields vs. Ali fight with a $15 million purse could be a major step toward achieving that goal.

Conclusion: Will Laila Ali Step Up?

While Claressa Shields is ready to make history and claims Laila Ali is scared, only time will tell if Ali will accept the monumental challenge. The fight would not only be a test of skill but a defining moment for women’s boxing and sports equality. As Claressa continues to pave a new lane for females in the ring, her power is felt beyond boxing.

Fans remain hopeful that these two champions will find common ground and give the world a fight to remember. One that cements their legacies and continues the rise of women’s boxing as a major force in the sport.