Boxing legend Laila Ali has pushed back hard amid rumors of a potential fight with Claressa Shields, releasing video clips and statements that trace their complicated relationship and perceived betrayals. According to reports, she claims she’s supported Shields over the years — only to be treated disrespectfully in return.
What Laila Ali Says She’s Revealed
- Laila says she first met Claressa in 2012, when Shields was invited to stand with Laila as she presented her late father Muhammad Ali with a medal.
- Over the years, Laila claims she gave Shields media appearances, mentorship, and access — only for Shields to later belittle her role, calling Laila “just Muhammad Ali’s daughter.”
- She also dropped past interview clips to challenge comments Shields made that Laila interprets as diminishing or sidelining her legacy.
- In her statement, Laila referred to Claressa’s “divisive, vindictive, malicious nature” and said those strong words are warranted given how she believes she’s been treated.
The Beef & The Stakes
- This beef has been simmering for years, but talk of a full fight reignited when Shields reportedly secured a $15 million purse for a showdown — which Laila initially appeared open to.
- Shields has pushed back at being called out, suggesting that maybe Laila’s team is backing out now that the financial commitment has been secured.
- For fans and boxing observers, this is more than a boxing match — it’s about legacy, respect, and whether two icons can reconcile their past to step into a ring together.
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