Boxing legend Laila Ali has responded to pressure about whether or not she will accept the current reigning champion, Claressa Shields’ challenge to step into the ring after years of retirement.
In a short video clip, Ali says she will reveal her decision when she is ready.
“Nobody calls the shots on me. I do things when, how and where I like to do them,” she said directly to the camera.
Last month, Shields announced that she had secured the $15 million that Ali, the daughter of late boxing icon Muhammad Ali, requested.
Laila Ali responds to Claressa Shields’ callout:
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) August 7, 2025
“Nobody calls shots on me. I do things when, how, and where I like to do them!” pic.twitter.com/rXJtO5Mxkv
“Do you want to entertain a fight or do you not? And I think that she should let me and the public know because the public is very, very interested,” Shields said after securing the bag.
“Honestly, a fight with me and Laila Ali would be one of the biggest fights in women’s boxing,” she continued. “I think we should do it for the culture. We should do it for the boxing culture. We should do it for so many to prove who is the best.”
Ali, 47, boasts an undefeated 24-0 record with a staggering 21 knockouts. The daughter of boxing legend Muhammad Ali last entered the ring in 2007, retiring after capturing world titles in both the super middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. Meanwhile, Shields remains unbeaten as well, holding a 16-0 record with 3 knockouts to her name.