In a new video, boxing legend Laila Ali addressed rising tensions with current champion Claressa Shields, saying Shields “can’t keep my name out her mouth,” after months of speculation about a possible comeback fight.
Ali, 47, said she’s decided to break her silence, telling fans she’s stayed quiet long enough but now intends to “clear up the lies, rumors, and confusion” surrounding her name. Let The Record Show Part 1 will be “coming soon,” the champ says. She also says that she refuses to say “that person’s” name on her page, but fans are aware she is referring to Shields.
The comments follow Shields’ recent public offer of a $15 million bout, which reignited years of back-and-forth between the two fighters.
“Laila and her representatives have told us no,” Shields said during an interview with TMZ. “… I’m not upset. I wouldn’t fight me either. You know what I’m saying? I understand that she’s scared.”
Shields continued, “She wanted $15 million. I went and got the $15 million and now it’s all this backpedaling. So, you know, congrats to her and all she’s doing, but I’m moving on with my career again.”
At the time, Amber Noble, a business partner of Ali, denied Shield’s claims.
“I can tell you with the absolute 100% certainty, Leila did not decline,” Noble said in a statement to media. “Laila did not reject or say she wasn’t going to fight her. What she said is, ‘I call the shots over here for myself.'”
@mworthofgame Claressa Shields on Layla Ali fight rumors
original sound – Million Dollaz
