Claressa Shields claims Laila Ali doesn’t need the smoke.
Holding 18 world championships throughout 5 totally different weight courses, there’s no denying that Shields is the undisputed ‘GWOAT’ of girls’s boxing. However there’s nonetheless one title on her hit checklist that she will be able to’t appear to scratch off, although it’s not for an absence of attempting.
That title is none apart from Ali, a four-time undefeated world champion and the daughter of boxing legend Muhammad Ali.
“She already declined it, so I don’t even discuss it anymore,” Shields advised Ariel Helwani when requested a couple of long-rumored conflict with Ali. “It’s what it’s. … She mentioned no completely tremendous, that’s a-okay. Okay. It’s different ladies who’re higher than her, who’re lively, who I can battle towards.
“…I pulled her card. She mentioned no. She could hate documentaries. It’s what it’s. However your woman simply signed for $8 million, $3 million signing bonus. And I’m excited to get again contained in the ring and present all people why I obtained this large profitable deal as a result of I’m that woman and I’m the best lady of all time.
“You don’t say no to a battle that you really want if you’d like more cash, it’s known as negotiate. So, there isn’t a—she doesn’t wish to negotiate. She doesn’t wish to battle.”
Shields hasn’t been capable of lure Ali out of the shadows, however that hasn’t stopped her from stacking our bodies. In February, ‘T-Rex’ grew to become boxing’s first feminine undisputed heavyweight champion, handily defeating Danielle Perkins in her hometown. Since then, she’s efficiently defended the crown, incomes a unanimous choice over Lani Daniels in Detroit.
Shields has not locked in her subsequent battle, however she plans to compete within the first quarter of 2026. The bout will probably be her first below a brand new multi-fight, $8 million contract she lately signed with Salita Promotions and Wynn Information.
