Latest news with #LailaAli
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Claressa Shields defends $15 million offer to fight Laila Ali: 'Everybody is making all these excuses for her'
Fresh off a successful defense of her undisputed heavyweight championship, Claressa Shields claims to have an eight-figure offer on the table for her preferred next opponent. "I know that Wynn Records has the $15 million and it's in escrow," Shields told Uncrowned and DAZN's "Ariel x Ade Show" on Wednesday. "If Laila [Ali] wants to fight for that [offer], it's there. That's what her price was and [what] she feels like she deserves, and we can make the fight happen." Ali, the daughter of the legendary Muhammad Ali, retired as WBC super middleweight world champion in 2007 with a 24-0 professional boxing record. The 47-year-old hasn't fought in 18 years and is 17 years older than Uncrowned's No. 2 pound-for-pound boxer, the 30-year-old Shields. With Ali's inactivity and age, the point could be made that Shields has nothing to gain from fighting her. But Shields, the self-proclaimed "Greatest Woman Of All Time" (GWOAT), wants to prove that she deserves the title she has given herself — and believes that a win over Ali could do just that. "My only motivation is to show her that you can't beat me, and you damn sure can't knock me out," Shields said. "If we were to fight each other in our primes, I would've still won. I would've knocked her out. It's more [so I can shut] her up. It's a passing of the torch. I think that in every sport, especially in women's boxing, the torch has to get passed. Either you want to pass it verbally, or the up-and-coming will take it. That's just how it is." "She said she [doesn't] need long to [prepare to] get in the ring and come back and beat me. I ain't got enough power. I'm not big enough. I'm not skilled enough. Those are the words out of her mouth, so therefore I just ain't s***, so she shouldn't need all that [much] time." "Everybody is making all these excuses for her, but she's sitting there and telling you that she's in the gym, she's training, [and] she [doesn't have] all the wear and tear that I got on my body. She doesn't have that because she hasn't been inside the ring. But she said that she's been training, and if you give her enough time and enough money, she would come back and she could beat me, she would knock me out." Ali's extended period outside of the ring, coupled with her aging body, is not a great combination. Fight fans have seen plenty of ex-boxers in their late 40s and even late 50s, in the case of Mike Tyson, come out of retirement to attempt to show that they still have something to offer. But Father Time waits for no man — or woman — and the performances more often than not make for difficult viewing. Shields' unanimous decision win over Lani Daniels this past weekend was the final fight in her promotional contract with Dmitry Salita's Salita Promotions. The attendance for the bout was an impressive 15,366 spectators in Detroit's Little Caesars Arena. At a time when U.S. boxing appears to be running out of fighters that can sell out major arenas, Shields' growing fan base makes her one of the top stars in all of American boxing. "I just want to hear what everybody's got to say. I know that it's always been a myth that I can't sell, that I don't have fans," Shields said. "Now [we know] that's absolutely a lie. I can fight not only in Detroit, but fight anywhere in the world, and all my fans are going to come out and watch me fight, and I'm willing to fight against the best. "Now that that's understood, I think now that the price and my value have [gone] up. [There are] a lot of promotions that have shown me nothing but disrespect. Now that I'm a free agent, of course, I want to hear what are the deals and what's the money [on offer] looking like from all these different people. I just need to weigh my options and talk with my team, and make the best decisions moving forward." Shields told Uncrowned that Salita Promotions had a 30-day Right of First Negotiation following the expiration of their promotional deal, but Salita chose to waive that right, allowing Shields to speak to other promoters immediately. "In my contract, it says [I can start speaking to promoters other than Salita] 30 days after the fight. It's been three days, I've got 27 left," she said. "But I've spoken with Salita, and he let me know that I can speak to other people and see what they're offering and what they're bringing to the table. Just not to lock in anything yet until after [the 30 days are over]." Shields' relationship with Salita spans nine years. The two-time Olympic gold medalist entered the pro ranks with the ex-fighter turned promoter in 2016 — although she did not formally sign with the company until the following year. Shields is open to working with Salita in the future, but first wants to explore the market to find where the best opportunities may lie for her. The three-division undisputed champion believes that she still has yet to be paid her true value. "I believe that I should be getting paid five, 10, 15 million a fight," Shields affirmed. "The past couple of years, I've been able to get paid a million, [1.5 million], [1.8 million]. Now it's like, how do I get that to three, five, 10 million?" One option for Shields' next move could be Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions. MVP has quickly become the home of women's boxing, and earlier this month staged the mega Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano trilogy bout that was watched by more than six million people on Netflix. MVP also represents the unified super middleweight champion Shadasia Green, who defeated Savannah Marshall on the Taylor vs. Serrano 3 undercard. Shields' best win is widely considered to be Marshall, and so Green could prove to be a worthy opponent for Shields, who has often struggled to find notable opposition. "I call bulls***. I've been wanting to fight Shadasia. She lost to Franchon [Crews-Dezurn]. Nobody wants to mention that, but that's exactly what happened," Shields said of Green. "The slight [against me was] this: She got over there with MVP and decided that I wasn't the 'Greatest Woman of All Time,' when I've been in conversation with Shadasia since we were in the amateurs and she knows I'm the best boxer she's ever been inside the ring with. ... She gets with MVP and now everything changes — I've got pillow fists and I don't knock [anyone] out. Therefore, when you're disrespecting me, I'm going to disrespect you." "Shadasia knows — and I know — that I will whoop her ass. It's not [disrespectful for] her to call me out. Thank you for calling me back out because I've been [calling] you out and I've been wanted to fight you. It's more of a thing of, 'Keep building your brand and get to where I am now,' because when I was trying to give you the opportunity, you didn't want it."
The Independent
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Claressa Shields targets Muhammad Ali's daughter for ‘monumental' fight
Claressa Shields has her sights set on a fight against Laila Ali, daughter of the greatest of all time, Muhammad Ali, after she comfortably defended her undisputed heavyweight titles against Lani Daniels this past weekend. The 'GWOAT' is set on a big money fight with Laila Ali next, and in her post-fight press conference, made her intentions crystal clear. Shields said: "I am trying to whoop Laila Ali's a***.' Shield's promoter, Dmitry Salita, revealed they are 'seriously pursuing' the fight with Ali. Salita told Sky Sports: 'Following her historic win in Detroit, we're focused on keeping her active and aligned with her mission – fighting the biggest and best.' He continued: 'A matchup with Laila Ali would be a monumental moment in sports history: The daughter of the GOAT vs the GWOAT, two generational icons whose stories transcend boxing. That's a fight we are seriously pursuing." Ali, 47, has not boxed since 2007, and the former WBC super middleweight champion retired with a record of 24-0 (21), as one of the trailblazers of women's professional boxing. Other options lie ahead for Shields if a fight with Ali can't be made. Savannah Marshall, who gave Shields her only loss as an amateur or professional, has been chasing a rematch with the American since she avenged that loss in 2022. Marshall, however, is coming off a split decision loss to Shadasia Green and forfeited her bargaining chip – the IBF super middleweight title. Salita mentioned another rematch, with the WBA and WBC super-middleweight champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn, whom Shields defeated in 2016. With limited competition at heavyweight, it is likely Shields will have to return to super middleweight for the big fights she says she wants. Shields said: "Anybody can get it. I want to make the biggest fights and the best fights." Watch the biggest fights and best fighters with a DAZN subscription A DAZN subscription provides access to over 185 fights a year across a range of combat sports from the world's best promoters.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Will Claressa Shields Vs. Laila Ali Ever Happen?
For years now, there has been a competitive rivalry between two of women's boxing greats in Claressa Shields and Laila Ali. Ali is a 2021 inductee into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Her career boasts an undefeated record after 24 fights. Of those bouts, she has 21 knockouts. In Ali's day, she was nothing to snooze at. Hell, she was the furthest thing to snooze at. And up until recent years, no one would rival such greatness. What's in a name? When it comes to Shields, she has been making her way for years. With a professional record of 16-0, she's seeking to give her self-proclaimed nickname legitimacy as the 'Greatest Woman of All-Time' (G.W.O.A.T). For these two ladies, their relationship began as a mentor-mentee type deal. The two began as very complimentary of one another. However, a 2019 The Breakfast Club interview with Ali changed everything. She said, 'I don't think there's anyone there for me that would give me a good challenge.' Shields took exception to that notion, especially after her gold medal success in the most recent Olympics at the time. Since those comments, Shields has made it her point to not only win her fights but also become a box office attraction for women's boxing. She is as charming as she is strong in the ring. With that type of quality, she seeks to sell her fights in ways that women just haven't before. Most recently, Ali was asked once again whether or not she would take on Shields in a match. She responded, saying, 'Unless somebody has $15-$20 million, don't even call me about this.' A few days later, Shields seemingly called Ali's bluff, producing a video in which she presented a check for $15 million to pay Ali to sign on to fight her. The business of boxing Now, as a marketing ploy, I find this to be genius! The G.W.O.A.T is obviously promoting herself through this. But with athletes having the ego that they do, fans have to wonder, 'Will Ali take the bait?' At 47, Ali is 17 years Shields' senior. From an athletic standpoint, we're fine to assume that Ali won't be what she once was. However, there's always that possibility that for one night, she can be. That's the type of selling point you can have for such a generational fight such as this. If Shields can back up all of her smack talk, she will be known to be someone who was never writing checks her fists couldn't cash. As I enjoy saying, I see the vision. Do I think this fight will actually happen? I do. We've seen crazier things happen. So, if that $15 million is legit, you absolutely have to consider it from Ali's side. If this does go down, it's bound to be the biggest women's combat fight of all time. With that potential riding on it, I ask this: Why not?The post Will Claressa Shields Vs. Laila Ali Ever Happen? appeared first on Blavity.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Muhammad Ali's ex wife picks Claressa Shields to defeat Laila Ali in potential mega fight
Muhammad Ali's ex wife picks Claressa Shields to defeat Laila Ali in potential mega fight (Image Via X) Women's boxing is experiencing something remarkable. Claressa Shields and Laila Ali could have a very large battle. Both women are legends in their own right; now they might eventually meet one other in the ring. Still, events have already turned dramatically before the conflict even begins. Khalilah Ali, Muhammad Ali's ex-wife, is not supporting Laila. She really believes Laila has little chance. What started as a dream matchup is quickly turning into a family drama filled with strong opinions and bold statements. Khalilah Ali believes Claressa Shields will easily defeat Laila Ali Married to Muhammad Ali from 1967 to 1976, Khalilah Ali spoke to the media during the official weigh-ins for Claressa Shields' championship defense against Lani Daniels in Detroit in July 2025. She made it absolutely clear standing next to Claressa that Laila would suffer badly. She was asked for her prediction, and she stated, 'She's going to get whooped,' clearly referring to FightHype reporter then asked in which round she thought it would end. Khalilah replied , 'Three or four. She got to go.' These comments made headlines because Khalilah has been part of the Ali family and knows Laila well. Her words shocked fans, especially because she was one of the first people to suggest this fight before Claressa secured the massive purse. Her opinion matters and she didn't hold back. Claressa Shields and Laila Ali speak on the $15 million offer Just days earlier, Laila Ali, 47, had said she would only consider coming out of retirement if offered $15–20 million. During the fight week Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano III, this comment was made. Claressa Shields promptly responded. She said in a video posted to Instagram, 'Laila, I'm here with my team. We got the $15 million!' She also added, 'I'll put you on your back,' showing no fear. Claressa, often known as the GWOAT (Greatest Woman of All Time), is now the unchallenged heavyweight champion. Having retired unblemished in 2007 with a record of 24–0, Laila has not fought in almost eighteen years. Now, this fight, if it happens would be between a legend of the past and the queen of today's boxing. Also Read: Laila Ali said she might return if offered $15–20 million, and Claressa has now matched that offer. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
The Independent
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Claressa Shields-Laila Ali: Will the GWOAT and Muhammad Ali's daughter finally fight?
Boxing 's self-proclaimed GWOAT (Greatest Woman Of All Time) Claressa Shields will be back in the ring on Saturday to defend her undisputed heavyweight status against Lani Daniels in Detroit. Shields is never short of confidence, and that is hardly a surprise given what she has already achieved in her career at the age of 30. The American superstar won two Olympic golds and two World Championship titles as an amateur and has claimed world honours in five different weight divisions since switching to the professional ranks. She is also the only boxer – male or female – to be the undisputed champion in three different weight classes. It is hard to see what else she can do to further her legacy, which begs the question: if she gets past Daniels, what's next? Well, the outspoken Shields has talked up a super-fight with Laila Ali – the daughter of boxing icon Muhammad Ali. But is it realistic? Subscribe to DAZN now to watch over 185 fights a year Ali's inactivity Laila followed in her father's footsteps to win titles in two divisions during her own career before retiring undefeated with 24 wins to her name, including 21 knockouts. She is widely regarded as one of the best female fighters ever. There's just one issue – she has not boxed since 2007. Ali is now 47 and has been retired for almost two decades. In the meantime, she has developed into a TV personality, appearing on some of America's biggest shows including Dancing with the Stars and The Masked Singer. Yet she has remained in tip-top condition since hanging up her gloves and has teased a dramatic comeback to take on Shields. Shields calls Ali's bluff In order to make a return, Ali has made it clear she wants to be paid well. She recently claimed it would take a purse of $15million to tempt her back into the ring for the Shields showdown. Shields responded by posing with a cheque displaying that figure to make a statement that she wants to do everything possible to get the fight made. But Ali has been talking about this fight for several years and it hasn't materialised yet. Back in 2020, she insisted a bout with Shields was 'absolutely possible' but conceded she would no longer be the same force she was in her prime. Five years down the line, Ali is unlikely to be in better shape, and the window is closing on finally making this fight happen. Shields has family plans Shields revealed this week that she wants to have a baby within the next 12 months as she looks to start a family. She plans to return to boxing after giving birth, but having a child would keep her out of the sport for a significant period. If she goes through with her family plans next year, the timeline to face Ali becomes very limited. It would have to happen next as Ali would be pushing 50 by the time Shields came back into the sport. Pacquiao shows Ali the way If Ali needed any inspiration for a comeback, she need look no further than Manny Pacquiao 's performance last weekend. Pacquiao returned from a four-year absence to push WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios all the way to a majority draw in Las Vegas. The Filipino legend is 46 and proved fighters can make successful comebacks after a lengthy hiatus. Of course, there is a big difference between being away from boxing for four years and the 18 years it has been since Ali last laced up her gloves. Ali would have a lot of ring-rust to shake off and must decide whether she really wants to risk her unbeaten record against Shields after being retired for so long. Will Shields vs Ali happen? Shields likes to put on a show, but she is running out of legitimate opponents. Calling out an all-time great with a legendary father is certainly a smart business move on her part. Ali also seems to be on board if the funds can be raised to give her a career-best payday. And that's ultimately what it may all hinge on – money. There would be plenty of interest in two greats of the sport facing each other, with fans eager to see if Ali has still got it. There is also genuine animosity between the pair, meaning the build-up to the fight would be electric. If promoters can get together and ensure both women are paid well, we could finally see Shields vs Ali, and someone's 0 would have to go. DAZN is the home of combat sports, broadcasting over 185 fights a year from the world's best promoters, including Matchroom, Queensberry, Golden Boy, Misfits, PFL, BKFC, GLORY and more. An Annual Saver subscription is a one-off cost of £119.99 / $224.99 (for 12 months access), that's just 64p / $1.21 per fight. There is also a Monthly Flex Pass option (cancel any time) at £24.99 / $29.99 per month. A subscription includes weekly magazine shows, comprehensive fight library, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and podcasts and vodcasts.
