Laila Ali once again addressed the persistent rumors of a potential super-fight against multi-division champion Claressa Shields, maintaining that a return to the ring is strictly a matter of financial logistics.
During a recent interview, Ali dismissed the idea that public callouts or verbal challenges would be enough to tempt her out of retirement. The daughter of the late Muhammad Ali emphasized that she remains unmoved by the social media spectacle that has surrounded the proposed matchup for nearly a decade.
“Not just anybody can make me an offer,” Ali said during the radio interview. “You actually have to have the money.” The friction between the two legendary fighters began as early as 2018 when Shields expressed frustration over comments Ali made regarding the state of women’s boxing.
The tension escalated in 2020 when Ali first hinted that the right opponent and a significant payday could lure her back to the squared circle. By 2025, Ali set a specific price tag on her return, indicating that a bout would require a purse between $15 million and $20 million. Shields quickly countered by claiming her team had secured $15 million and publicly showcased an oversized check featuring Ali’s name to signal her readiness to fight. Shields has previously accused Ali of avoiding the contest, but Ali has consistently pushed back against these claims.
The undefeated former champion said she will only respond to serious business proposals that meet her valuation, rather than reacting to what she views as publicity stunts. Ali, who retired in 2007 with a perfect 24-0 record, has built a successful career as an entrepreneur and television personality in the years since hanging up her gloves.
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