Oop! Boxing legend Laila Ali is telling the internet to “practice patience” as she reminds us that she will answer decorated boxer Claressa Shields’ $15 million boxing request “when she’s good and ready.”
Laila Ali And Claressa Shield’s Years-Long Beef Recapped
As we previously shared, Laila Ali, 47, and Claressa Shields, 30, have been going back-and-forth online for years. In January 2018, Ali told ‘The Breakfast Club‘ that she wouldn’t return to boxing because she didn’t feel like there was anyone who could give her a good challenge. She even claimed the sport now had Shields. She described her as “a young Black girl from Flint, Michigan who lived a hard life, went through a lot, went to the Olympics, and won twice.”
In 2020, after some back-and-forth, Ali demanded $5 million to fight Shields. Then things really ramped up in January 2025, when Andre Ward asked Ali if she had beef with Shields. She claimed she had no hard feelings. But after the interview, Shields took the legend’s comments as a direct shot and responded to everything.
Shields called Ali a “bitter old person,” and claimed the legend told her not to turn pro, despite it “working out great” for her. On social media, she then shared a direct shot at Ali. She stated, “You’re not gonna fight me, so why you keep brining me up?”
RELATED: Muhammad Ali’s Ex-Wife Khalilah Ali Believes Laila Ali Will Get ‘Whooped’ By Claressa Shields
Claressa Shields Secures $15 Million Deal To Fight Laila Ali After Legend Demands $15-20 Million To Enter Ring
Months after January’s drama, Laila Ali addressed rumors of returning to boxing from retirement to face Claressa Shields. While speaking with FightHype after the Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano fight on July 11, Ali was at first asked, “Where did that rumor come from?” While replying, she demanded $15 to $20 million to sign a contract and enter the ring. She said:
“The rumor that I heard was that I said, ‘Unless somebody had $15-$20 million, don’t even call me about this. That’s all I heard. Unless somebody calls me and says they have it, we’re not even going to have a conversation. I’m not trying to come back and fight. But, if someone offered that kind of money, I would actually have to think about it. Do I look like I can fight again? I think so too.”
Shields caught Ali’s interview and replied on X, stating:
“What a great weekend of boxing 🥊! Really motivated! Now @TheRealLailaAli I’m the GREATEST NOW! Be careful what you ask for ! You know I’ve been wanting to make you eat your words! You not a better boxer than me & at 175 I’ll put you on your back! BEEN READY FOR YOU! #GWOAT #ClaressaShields.”
On July 18, Shields propositioned Ali again after securing a $15 million deal to fight.
Laila Ali Trolls Internet While Stalling Answer To Claressa Shields’ $15 Million Boxing Request
Since then, on Tuesday (August 5), Ali took to her Instagram to promote her new cooking show and Persian cucumber recipe. She also trolled social media users wanting an answer for Shields’ still-standing boxing request. She said:
“To answer the question that I know many of you, who are poking around and waiting for me to give you an answer… The answer is, yes. I am going to answer your question…when I’m good and ready to do it. Because you know what? Nobody calls the shots on me. I do things when, and how, and where I like to do them. Bye. Love you guys.”
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