Laila Ali says Claressa Shields ‘can’t bust a grape’ compared to her as feud intensifies

The Feud Between Legends: Laila vs. Claressa

The rivalry between Laila Ali and Claressa Shields continues to intensify as both boxing icons trade barbs online. What began as a casual comparison of two generations of women’s boxing greatness has evolved into a public feud dominating sports headlines and social feeds worldwide.

In her latest YouTube video, Ali didn’t mince words. She criticized Shields’ recent performances, claiming the undisputed champ “can’t even bust a grape.” The statement spread quickly across TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), reigniting debates about who truly deserves the title of “GWOAT” — Greatest Woman of All Time.

Ali’s remarks come in response to a previous video from Shields, who accused Ali of lying and hinted she might release “receipts and secrets” to expose the truth — but only on her own YouTube channel. Now, fans are glued to screens waiting for the next chapter in the sport’s most talked-about rivalry.

Laila Ali: Legacy of “The Greatest”

Laila Ali, born December 30, 1977, is no stranger to pressure. As the daughter of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, she inherited not just his name but his confidence and competitive spirit.

Her career was historic from the start. Turning professional in 1999, Ali quickly established herself as a dominant force in the ring — retiring undefeated in 2007 with a record of 24-0, including 21 knockouts. She held multiple world titles across super middleweight and light heavyweight divisions and was named by ESPN as one of the most influential female athletes of her generation.

Outside boxing, Laila has built a career as a TV host, motivational speaker and philanthropist. She’s appeared on Dancing with the Stars, hosted American Gladiators, and published books on fitness and personal growth. Her mission — much like her father’s — has always been to inspire self-confidence and discipline beyond sports.

Ali’s critique of Shields comes from a place of professional pride. Her era was one where women boxers fought for recognition in a male-dominated sport. She sees herself as having opened the door that Shields now walks through — and perhaps feels the respect should be mutual.

Laila Ali’s Message: Power, Pride and Provocation

Ali’s new video spliced archival footage of Shields with her own commentary, suggesting the current champ struggles to deliver knockouts.

“She can’t bust a grape, and she knows it,” Ali declared with her signature confidence.

The video also showed Ali reminding fans that during her own career she secured 21 knockouts in 24 fights — a stat she often uses to emphasize her dominance. She added that her comments were not personal but factual: “Boxing is about power and precision. If you don’t have the power to finish, you don’t run the ring.”

The clip immediately sparked debate. Was Ali keeping herself relevant or simply defending her record? Either way, she once again proved her ability to command attention both in and out of the ring.

Claressa Shields: The Modern GWOAT

Claressa Shields has been defiant throughout the back-and-forth. As a two-time Olympic gold medalist, two-division undisputed world champion and multi-sport athlete, she’s used her career to redefine what dominance looks like in women’s boxing.

Born in Flint, Michigan, Shields overcame poverty and personal struggles to become the first American boxer — male or female — to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals (2012 and 2016). Her transition to the professional arena was equally record-breaking: she became the fastest boxer in history to win titles across three divisions, achieving the feat in just 10 fights.

Shields currently holds a professional record of 15-0 and is the only woman to be undisputed champ in two weight classes simultaneously. Beyond boxing, she has ventured into MMA, making her debut with the Professional Fighters League in 2021.

Her bold personality and outspoken nature have made her a polarizing figure — some see her as a trailblazer, others as too confrontational. But even her critics acknowledge her impact on bringing visibility to women’s boxing in the social-media era.

Muhammad Ali’s Enduring Shadow

Laila’s father, Muhammad Ali, remains the most famous boxer of all time. A man who transcended sports to become a global symbol of courage and conviction. Known for his legendary fights with Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier, and George Foreman, Ali’s legacy also lives through his principled stand against the Vietnam War and his dedication to civil rights.

For Laila, carrying that legacy has always been a double-edged sword — a source of inspiration and immense expectation. Her confidence in calling out Claressa Shields is in many ways a reflection of her father’s bold spirit and competitive fire.

Generational Clash or Publicity Play?

Boxing thrives on rivalries. Ali vs. Shields is no different — a collision between old-school power and new-school precision. But fans are split on whether the feud is genuine or just strategic marketing.

While some call it disrespectful, others see it as the perfect setup for a money-making exhibition match. After all, the two once teased a $15 million showdown — a fight that could have made history as the highest-grossing women’s bout ever. Though that deal is no longer on the table, the possibility remains a dream for fans and promoters alike.

Women’s Boxing and the Fight for Respect

Beyond the personal drama, the Laila Ali vs. Claressa Shields feud represents something larger — the ongoing battle for visibility in women’s sports. Both women have helped raise the profile of female boxing in different ways.

• Ali did it by breaking barriers in the 2000s when female boxing was barely televised.
• Shields did it by making history on the Olympic stage and demanding equal pay and recognition in the digital era.

Their feud — though heated — keeps women’s boxing in the spotlight at a time when the sport is growing globally. In many ways, their conflict has done for female boxing what Ali vs. Frazier did for men’s boxing half a century ago.

Will They Ever Fight?

At this point, a physical match seems unlikely — Laila Ali has been retired for nearly two decades, and Claressa Shields is in her prime. Yet, boxing history shows that money and legacy can change minds. Fans continue to petition for an exhibition event or documentary collaboration between the two.

If it happened, the match would be less about titles and more about symbolism — a passing of the torch between two eras of excellence.

Social Media Reaction

Social media users had mixed reactions to Ali’s “bust a grape” comment:

• “She’s still the queen, talk yo stuff Laila!” one fan posted.
• Another wrote, “Ali vs. Shields is the only fight women’s boxing needs.”
• Others urged both to “focus on uplifting the next generation instead of fighting each other.”

Beyond the Ring: Women’s Rivalries and Visibility

Rivalries like Laila Ali vs. Claressa Shields mirror a wider movement in women’s sports — where competition and conflict, when rooted in excellence, actually fuel progress. From Serena Williams vs. Maria Sharapova in tennis to Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese in basketball, women athletes are showing that healthy tension can push viewership, discussion, and investment to new heights.

The truth is, both Ali and Shields are building something bigger than their feud — they’re proving that women’s boxing has a seat at the cultural table. Every quote, clip, and clapback may sting in the moment, but together, they’re keeping the sport alive, visible, and vibrant.