Claressa Shields has been itching to fight Laila Ali, and hopped online to throw a few verbal jabs at the retired boxing champion.
Ali recently said she would consider stepping into the ring if the check was right.
“[U]nless somebody has $15-$20 million, don’t even call me about this,” she said in a recent video. “Unless somebody calls me and says they have it, we’re not going to have a conversation. I’m not trying to come back and fight, but if someone offered that kind of money, I would actually have to think about it. Do I look like I could fight again? I think so too.”
Laila Ali says she’d come out of retirement for a showdown with Claressa Shields — if the price is right!
— Fight Hub TV (@FightHubTV) July 12, 2025
: https://t.co/cx66FvfEVt
Ring III live on DAZN l July 12th in New York Get your tickets now: https://t.co/fM0j6Rf8dO pic.twitter.com/aNKfSaafqZ
After the clip did the rounds on the internet, Shields hopped on X, formerly Twitter, to hit back.
“What a great weekend of boxing! Really motivated! Now @TheRealLailaAli I’m the GREATEST NOW!,” she tweeted. “Be careful what you ask for ! You know I’ve been wanting to make you eat your words! You not a better boxer than me & at 175 I’ll put you on your back! BEEN READY FOR YOU!”
What a great weekend of boxing ! Really motivated! Now @TheRealLailaAli I’m the GREATEST NOW! Be careful what you ask for ! You know I’ve been wanting to make you eat your words! You not a better boxer than me & at 175 I’ll put you on your back! BEEN READY FOR YOU! #GWOAT…
— Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) July 13, 2025
Shields’ next fight is slated for July 26, 2025, where she will defend her undisputed heavyweight title against Lani Daniels at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan