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Claressa Shields vs Laila Ali Beef Explained
Claressa Shields and Laila Ali \ Getty Images

$15M on the table, years of tension, and two eras colliding—how this rivalry exploded.

The ongoing tension between Claressa Shields and Laila Ali has hit an all-time high, with talk of a mega showdown now tied to a jaw-dropping $15 million offer that Ali recently demanded. Shields and her team have reportedly secured the purse Ali once demanded, setting the stage for what could be one of the most lucrative fights in women’s boxing history. This isn’t just about money—it’s about two eras colliding, a battle for legacy, and the chance to cement women’s boxing in the spotlight. But how did this rivalry reach such a boiling point? Here’s the breakdown.

It all started in 2019 when Laila Ali appeared on The Breakfast Club. Asked by DJ Envy if she’d return to the ring, Ali confidently replied: ‘Money right, Laila there every night’ and ‘I stay training’, before adding, ‘I don’t think there’s anyone there for me that would give me a good challenge.’

While Ali’s comments weren’t directed at Shields, they didn’t sit well with her. Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medalist who was 9-0 with 2 KOs at the time, wanted acknowledgment for her talent.

She fired back during her own Breakfast Club appearance: ‘Until that day I’ve never disrespected Laila Ali… so when I heard her say that, is she saying I don’t know how to box? If you come out of retirement, I’ll smoke you.’

Ali doubled down on First Take , telling Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman that Shields was indeed an inspiring opponent: ‘She is, especially that mouth. When it’s personal, that starts a fire.’

Shields later told ESPN’s Myron Medcalf that she is absolutely willing to fight Ali and even vowed to knock her out if they ever step in the ring together: ‘When she gets inside the ring, you’re going to see a whole different Claressa Shields… It’s going to be a war… I’ll wear her down and punch her to the body until she quits.’

Both fighters also revisited their back-and-forth on the All the Smoke Fight Podcastwith Andre Ward. During the discussion, Claressa explained that after she won the title at 168 pounds, Ali began to feel jealous and cut off communication. Shields added that calling herself the best fighter in the world seemed to rub Ali the wrong way.

On the other hand, Ali explained that Shields’ Breakfast Club and social media comments were disrespecting her legacy and that’s where much of the tension came from. Ali also mentioned that she once offered to spar with Shields, adding, ‘You know she didn’t want to spar with me.’

After years of social media jabs, fast forward to today: Shields’s camp has secured the $15 million Ali requested. With that offer on the table, this feels as close to making the fight as we’ve ever been—but with big offers come big disappointment. Take Deontay Wilder’s $50 million offer to Anthony Joshua, for example, which never materialized despite all the buzz.

With Shields headlining a bout July 26 at Little Caesars Arena, the timing feels like perfect marketing and is bringing a lot of attention to the event this weekend.

Whether this showdown happens or not, one thing is clear: the rivalry between Claressa Shields and Laila Ali has captured the imagination of fans. It’s a mix of respect, pride, and generational greatness colliding in a way that could redefine women’s boxing. If Ali accepts, history will be made. If not, the debate over who truly deserves the crown will rage on.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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