Claressa Shields vs. Laila Ali: Behind the Fight and Where It Stands
The potential boxing match between Claressa Shields and Laila Ali has been stirring excitement and speculation for several years. The idea first began gaining attention around 2018, with talk of a fight occasionally bubbling up over time. Laila Ali, who retired undefeated and is considered a legend in women’s boxing, hinted at a possible comeback if offered the right payday. Around 2020, Ali mentioned she would consider returning for a $15 million purse.
The conversation heated up significantly in mid-2025 when Claressa Shields, the undisputed women’s heavyweight champion, made a serious offer backed by her promoter Dmitry Salita. Shields claimed to have secured full funding and proposed concrete plans including venues and dates to bring the fight to life. This made the prospect feel more real than ever before.
However, the sticking point quickly became Laila Ali’s price demand. Ali reportedly raised the asking price to between $15 and $20 million, a figure that made headlines and set off a public exchange between the fighters. Shields responded enthusiastically, announcing that she had secured the $15 million offer and publicly challenging Ali to accept.
On August 7, 2025, Ali posted a cryptic video on Instagram promoting her new Food Network show. At the end of the video, she addressed the fight rumors indirectly, stating that she would answer “when I’m good and ready” and asserting that “nobody calls shots on me.” This ambiguous message left fans wondering whether she would accept or decline the fight.
The next day, Claressa Shields went on the offensive during a TMZ interview. She claimed Ali’s camp had effectively declined the offer and accused Ali of being scared to fight. Shields emphasized that she was ready and willing and even said that Muhammad Ali himself would never back down from such a challenge.
Adding another layer to the story, Khalilah Ali, Muhammad Ali’s ex-wife, publicly backed Claressa Shields, expressing confidence that Shields would defeat Laila Ali if the fight ever took place. This unexpected family endorsement added extra drama to an already intense rivalry.
As of August 2025, the fight remains in limbo. Shields insists the money and plans are secured and expects Ali to say yes. Ali, on the other hand, has yet to make a clear commitment, maintaining an enigmatic stance. Until Ali gives a firm answer, the fight remains a tantalizing “what if” in the world of women’s boxing.
