Laila Ali is once again addressing speculation about a potential fight with Claressa Shields.
The retired boxing champion recently discussed the matchup during an appearance on V-103’s “The Big Tigger Morning Show.” Her response made one thing clear. Ali is not interested in returning to boxing simply because Shields continues to call her out.
“I actually already responded to that publicly,” Ali said during the interview. She referenced previous videos where she addressed the fight speculation.
“That was never a thing. You know, I don’t really have anything else to say.”
Ali did, however, elaborate on what could potentially bring her back to the ring.
“One thing I will say about you asking me about coming back is that if I was gonna come back, I will come back at the highest level,” she said.
“I’m not somebody that just anybody can make me an offer.”
Laila Ali Wants More Than a Public Challenge
Ali has been retired since 2007, when she ended her professional career undefeated. She finished with a 24-0 record and 21 knockouts. Her final fight took place in South Africa against Gwendolyn O’Neil. Despite her lengthy retirement, a fight with Shields has remained a recurring topic.
The conversation gained new momentum in 2025. Ali said she would have to consider a comeback for a significant payday.
“I was asked an impromptu question by one of the boxing blogs like ‘Would you come back?’” Ali said in a 2025 interview.
“And I said for $15-20 million, I’d have to think about it. Not that I want to.”
Ali also noted that she had built a life outside boxing.
“You see I’m hosting shows. I got my Laila Ali lifestyle brand, my spice blends.”
Shields quickly turned the hypothetical figure into a public challenge. In July 2025, Shields announced that she had secured $15 million for the proposed fight. She shared a video alongside members of her team.
“Laila, I’m here with my team. I got some great news for you. We got the $15 million!” Shields said.
“Let’s make a fight between me and you. The best versus the best. The greats versus the greats. The GWOAT versus Muhammad Ali’s daughter, Laila Ali. Let’s make it happen.”
Shields later maintained that the money was available for the matchup. Following a 2025 title defense, Shields again said she wanted the fight. ESPN reported that she said the $15 million had been put up.
Shields Has Continued Pushing for the Matchup
Shields has been vocal about her interest in facing Ali for years.
The two boxers have exchanged comments about each other since at least 2018. Their discussions have included disagreements about women’s boxing and their respective legacies.
Shields has argued that the matchup would represent a major moment for women’s boxing. She has also questioned why Ali has not accepted the proposed fight.
Ali has offered a different explanation. During her latest appearance, she emphasized that a serious return would require more than a public promise.
“You actually have to have the money,” Ali said.
“You actually have to have the money. You can’t just say you have the money.”
Ali also suggested that she would approach a comeback through established relationships in boxing.
“I would definitely do things with the highest level,” she said. “I got connects, so if I wanted to come back, yeah, I would be connecting with those high-level connections.”
For now, there is no announced fight between Ali and Shields. Shields remains an active professional boxer, while Ali has spent nearly two decades outside the sport.
Ali’s latest comments suggest that the fight remains hypothetical unless the right circumstances come together. For a matchup that has been discussed for years, the biggest question may not be whether the two women want the spotlight. It is whether the business behind the spotlight can actually come together.