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Laila Ali Teases Response to Claressa Shields After $15 Million Offer

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Prince Horton | Last updated Aug 8, 2025 9:29 PM ET

Ali says she’ll answer Claressa Shields’ $15 million challenge on her own time

The back-and-forth between Claressa Shields and Laila Ali has reached a fever pitch over the past month, fueled by a staggering $15 million offer from Team Shields to Ali. The proposal even came with high-profile venues like T-Mobile Arena and the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium named as potential fight locations. Now, Ali has broken her silence—at least partially—with a few pointed comments on the matter.

In a clip shared by The Art of Dialogue on X, Ali made it clear she’s calling the shots when fans flooded her comment section about Shields and the $15 million offer.

‘To all of you poking around wanting me to give you an answer, the answer is yes, I’m going to answer your question—when I’m good and ready. Nobody calls the shots on me. I do things when, how, and where I like to do them.’

Laila Ali responds to Claressa Shields’ callout:

“Nobody calls shots on me. I do things when, how, and where I like to do them!” pic.twitter.com/rXJtO5Mxkv
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) August 7, 2025

Ali’s words left no doubt she sees herself as the shot caller here, holding all the cards in a potential mega-fight. Still, her acknowledgment that she will give an answer could be viewed as a positive step toward making it happen.

Shields, fresh off a victory over Lani Daniels on July 26, could be staring at one of the biggest events in women’s boxing history if the bout materializes. But with Ali’s long absence from the ring, the odds remain slim. For now, the decision rests entirely in Ali’s hands—and she’s in no rush to play them.

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

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