Laila Ali responds to Claressa Shields’ $15 million fight offer—but doesn’t say yes…yet
Laila Ali Speaks on Claressa Shields Fight Offer: “I’ll Respond When I’m Ready”
The world of women’s boxing is buzzing with the possibility of a generational clash between two iconic champions: Laila Ali, daughter of the legendary Muhammad Ali, and Claressa Shields, the self-proclaimed GWOAT (Greatest Woman of All Time).
Recently, Shields made headlines by offering Ali $15 million to step into the ring with her. While fans waited for a definitive response, Laila finally addressed the challenge—though not in the way many expected. Despite Claressa’s current run as the top female boxer, Laila is insisting she isn’t scared.
Laila Ali’s Rise to the Ring
Laila Ali didn’t always plan to follow in her father’s footsteps. But after watching a women’s boxing match on television at 18, she became inspired to step into the sport herself. Despite her father Muhammad Ali’s initial concerns, Laila announced her professional boxing debut in a televised interview with Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America, setting the stage for what would become a historic career.
She made her professional debut on October 8, 1999, at age 21, with a first-round knockout against April Fowler. The win launched a streak of victories that earned her national attention and set up a highly anticipated match against Jacqui Frazier-Lyde—the daughter of Joe Frazier. Their 2001 clash, dubbed “Ali-Frazier IV,” honored the legacy of their fathers’ famous rivalry. Laila won the match by majority decision in a brutal eight-round battle, despite suffering a fractured collarbone.
Ali continued to build her legacy by claiming the IBA title in 2002 and later unifying it with the WIBA and IWBF super middleweight titles after defeating Valerie Mahfood. That same year, she began making headlines for her powerful knockouts and unmatched ring presence.
Undefeated Legacy and Cultural Impact
Ali’s most symbolic victory came in 2003 when she defeated Christy Martin—the very boxer who had first inspired her—in just four rounds. That win solidified her dominance and helped elevate the visibility of women’s boxing worldwide.
She went on to win the IWBF Light Heavyweight title in 2004 and made history in 2005 by capturing the prestigious WBC title after stopping Erin Toughill. Ali’s aggressive style, strategic precision, and showmanship made her a force in the ring and a beacon of empowerment outside of it.
Laila retired undefeated in 2007 with a 24-0 record, including 21 knockouts. Her final bout took place in South Africa, where she secured a first-round TKO over Gwendolyn O’Neil.
Notable achievements from her career include:
- WBC, WIBA, IBA, and IWBF titles across multiple weight classes
- Only the second woman to win a WBC championship
- Recognized with the 2012 AOCA Outstanding Contribution Award
Beyond boxing, Ali became a TV personality, author, and wellness advocate. Her undefeated record and cultural influence helped pave the way for future stars like Claressa Shields, making her one of the most respected names in women’s sports history.
Claressa Shields: A Champion in Every Division
Claressa Shields is not just a boxing star—she is a once-in-a-generation athlete who has redefined the landscape of women’s combat sports. Born March 17, 1995, in Flint, Michigan, Shields began boxing at the age of 11 and quickly proved herself to be a phenom. Her story is one of persistence, power, and making history at every step.
Before ever turning professional, Shields had already carved her name in the history books. She became the first American boxer—male or female—to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals, doing so in 2012 and 2016 in the women’s middleweight division. She was just 17 years old when she qualified for the 2012 London Games, becoming the youngest boxer at the U.S. Olympic Trials that year.
Dominating the Pros: Undisputed in Three Weight Classes
Since turning pro in 2016, Claressa Shields has compiled one of the most impressive résumés in the history of boxing. As of 2025, she’s the only boxer—male or female—to become undisputed champion in three different weight classes, holding the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO titles in:
- Light Middleweight (2021)
- Middleweight (first in 2019, again in 2024)
- Heavyweight (2025)
She also held the WBC and IBF Super Middleweight titles between 2017 and 2018 and won the WBO Light Heavyweight title, making her one of only three women (alongside Amanda Serrano and Naoko Fujioka) to become a five-division world champion.
As of now, Shields has held 18 major world championships across five divisions and currently holds the record for becoming a two-, three-, four-, and five-division world champion in the fewest number of professional fights. Her dominance has made her the #1 pound-for-pound female boxer.
The Callout: Claressa Shields Ups the Ante with $15 Million Check
This all started when Laila Ali commented in a prior interview that she might consider fighting again if “the number is right.” That was all Shields needed to hear. In true GWOAT fashion, she took to social media to call Laila’s bluff, standing proudly with a large novelty check made out for $15 million—a statement that she’s not just talking, she’s ready to pay to play.
The message was clear: if Laila Ali truly wants to test her skills, Shields is ready and willing to make history—and fund it too.
Laila’s Hesitation: “I’ll Address It When I’m Ready”
Now, after days of anticipation, Laila Ali has finally responded. In a video posted online, Ali mentions the challenge but quickly dodges a concrete answer. “I’ll address the proposal when I’m ready,” she says with a smirk—neither accepting nor declining the offer.
Her vague response sparked immediate chatter on social media. On X (formerly Twitter), users had plenty to say:
- @finalbossjimmy wrote, “She fine and all but my money on Claressa.”
- @houheffna tweeted bluntly, “This woman is not fighting.”
- @wrestlegirl215 added, “So in other words you scared.. got it lol.”
While some fans were thrilled by the mere possibility of Ali’s return, others were quick to question her seriousness—or even suggest she’s ducking Shields.
A Record-Breaking Purse for Women’s Boxing
The $15 million offer is staggering—and nearly unheard of in women’s boxing. For perspective:
- Most women’s world title fights pay under $1 million.
- Shields reportedly made around $1 million for her 2022 showdown with Savannah Marshall, which was billed as one of the biggest fights in women’s boxing history.
- By contrast, men’s title fights like Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao topped over $300 million in payouts.
Shields’ $15 million proposal isn’t just an offer to Ali—it’s a statement to the industry. She’s advocating for massive investment in female fighters and betting on the spectacle and legacy of this potential bout to make that investment worthwhile.
The Public’s Divide: Does Laila Still Have It?
Laila Ali retired nearly 18 years ago, and she’s 46 years old. Shields is 30 and still active. That age gap—and ring rust—has fans divided.
Supporters of Ali believe her experience, power, and legendary lineage give her a real shot. Detractors argue that the modern pace, pressure, and polished skill set of Shields would be too much for her.
Some fans even question if Ali is truly interested in fighting at all, pointing to her media career and lifestyle brand as evidence she’s moved on.
What This Fight Would Mean for Women’s Sports
If Ali accepts, this could be the biggest female boxing match in history—not just for the payday, but for its cultural and media impact.
It would:
- Break financial records for a women’s boxing purse.
- Bring boxing back to the mainstream with a crossover audience.
- Open the door for more high-stakes legacy matchups in women’s sports.
- Highlight the need for equal pay and support for female athletes.
- Potentially inspire a new generation of women to lace up gloves.
Whether it’s on Showtime, DAZN, or a Pay-Per-View spectacle, promoters would be racing to grab rights to an Ali vs. Shields showdown.
Will the Fight Happen?
Right now, the ball is in Laila Ali’s court. Claressa Shields has made it loud and clear: she wants the fight, she has the money, and she’s ready to put her legacy on the line.
Ali’s recent response—“I’ll address it when I’m ready”—suggests she’s not completely out. But in the world of boxing, time is the opponent no one can beat.
Whether this ends as an Instagram feud or becomes the bout that changes the game, fans will be watching. And waiting.