Laila Ali says she would only come out of retirement to fight Claressa Shields if the money is right, and that means a serious offer… unlike the offers she’s already received.
In a recent radio interview, Ali made it clear that public challenges and social media buzz aren’t enough to convince her to return to boxing.
“Not just anybody can make me an offer,” Ali said. “You actually have to have the money.”
Ali, 48, has previously said it would take a $15 million to $20 million purse to bring her out of retirement. Shields later claimed her team had secured $15 million and even displayed an oversized check bearing Ali’s name, but Ali now says the money was never actually there.
The two champions have traded barbs for years. Their public dispute dates to at least 2018, when Shields objected to comments Ali made about women’s boxing.
In 2020, Ali said the right opponent and payday could make a return worth considering, fueling speculation about a possible showdown with Shields.
Ali retired in 2007 with a perfect 24-0 record after building a career as one of the most recognizable names in women’s boxing. Ali has previously accused Shields of trying to bait her out of retirement.
“So, did her plan work? Did she make me mad enough to come out of retirement after 18 years and start training again… to make her dream of fighting me come true?” Ali said at the time. “Absolutely not. [Shields] will not be rewarded with the opportunity to share the ring with me, or anything else. There’s your answer.”