Claressa Shields Challenges Laila Ali Over Fight Refusal
The ongoing tension between undisputed heavyweight champion Claressa Shields (17-0, 3 KOs) and boxing legend Laila Ali (24-1, 21 KOs), daughter of Muhammad Ali, remains a key story in women's boxing this year. Shields has sought a fight with Ali for years.
Ali, who is 17 years older and has not fought since 2007, sparked renewed interest when she mentioned she might consider fighting Shields if offered $15-20 million earlier this year. This remark intensified Shields' attempts to secure the bout, including allegedly raising the requested funds and repeatedly challenging Ali publicly.
Despite Shields' efforts, Ali has not officially confirmed whether she would come out of retirement for the fight, even with the offered sum. On October 16, Ali released a YouTube video criticizing Shields for her persistent and disrespectful calls, describing her as having a "divisive, vindictive, and malicious nature."
“Shields has a divisive, vindictive, and malicious nature.”
Ali concluded the video by promising a follow-up to clarify if she will accept Shields' fight challenge.
Author's summary: The dispute between Claressa Shields and Laila Ali highlights ongoing challenges in making a high-profile women's boxing match happen, with competition fueled by money and mutual provocations.
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