*Following a record-setting night in women’s boxing, Claressa Shields is turning her attention toward a possible showdown with a legendary name… Laila Ali.
The July 11 trilogy bout between Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor lit up Madison Square Garden with an all-women’s card that made history. Broadcast by Netflix, the event broke a Guinness World Record by featuring 17 world title belts on the line. As SI.com reports, among the crowd of boxing greats were Shields, who has held multiple world championships in five weight classes, and Ali, a retired icon often recognized as the sport’s greatest female fighter.
Asked about returning to the ring to face Shields, Ali didn’t shut the door entirely—if the money’s right. “The rumor that I heard is that unless somebody has $15, $20 million, don’t even call me [about a fight against Shields]. That’s all I got,” Ali said.
“I said unless somebody calls me and says they have it, we’re not even gonna 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,” she added.
Shields responded with a fiery post on X, signaling she’s not only ready but eager to take on Ali.
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? Laila Ali says she’d come out of retirement for a showdown with Claressa Shields — if the price is right! ??
Ring III live on DAZN l July 12th in New York ? Get your tickets now: https://t.co/fM0j6Rf8dO pic.twitter.com/aNKfSaafqZ
— Fight Hub TV (@FightHubTV) July 12, 2025
“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”
Though Ali, 47, hasn’t fought since 2007, her name still carries serious weight. Shields, who’s chasing her own iconic moments, seems more than willing to test greatness in the ring.
@theneighborhoodtalk Claressa Says She Would Put Laila On Her Back! #claressashields #lailaali #boxing #fyp #CapCut ♬ original sound – TheNeighborhoodTalk
