Laila Ali has finally broken her silence about her ongoing rift with Claressa Shields, addressing the controversy that’s been fueling headlines.
On her YouTube channel, Laila Ali KO, the retired champion put to rest rumors of a potential comeback fight.
In the latest episode, Ali shared clips from earlier interviews to provide context for her perspective on her history with Shields, who is currently dating rapper Papoose.
“I’m happy just being one. My father always said he was the best. That wasn’t really my thing,” she said. “I wanted to be the best in my weight class, to be undefeated, and to be a world champion—and those things I attained.”
But Ali didn’t hold back when it came to Shields.
She accused the younger fighter of using her father’s name to diminish her own accomplishments. “After years of blatant lies and vile disrespect, making unsolicited negative remarks about me, questioning the legitimacy of my boxing legacy, and having the audacity to cross the line by disrespecting my deceased father,” Ali said. “She will not be rewarded with the opportunity to share the ring with me or anything else.”
That statement put to rest speculation that the two might ever face off.
Ali, who began her pro career at 22, competed at a time when women’s boxing and she retired undefeated after eight years in the ring.
Shields currently holds two Olympic gold medals and undisputed titles in three divisions.
After Ali’s comments, Shields fired back in a video posted to her YouTube channel. “Laila Ali has been losing the fight against me for a very long time,” Shields said. “When you start losing the fight, you go below the belt. This is just another example of the older generation hating on the youth.”