Claressa Shields Challenges Laila Ali’s Boxing Reputation: “She’s Only Known for Being Muhammad Ali’s Daughter”
They might not be stepping into the ring anytime soon, but that hasn’t stopped Claressa Shields from landing verbal punches at Laila Ali.
Despite Ali reportedly turning down a $15 million offer to face her, Shields continues to question the retired champion’s legacy — even dismissing her as “just Muhammad Ali’s daughter.”
During an appearance on Million Dollaz Worth Of Game, Shields initially struck a respectful tone. “I’m gonna take the high road like Terence Crawford and say she was the best in her era,” she said, before quickly changing her stance. “Actually, I’m not gonna lie — Ann Wolfe was the best in her era, and I’m the best in this era. Laila Ali is just Muhammad Ali’s daughter.”
Host Gillie Da Kid pushed back, saying, “Nah, come on, we ain’t gonna do that,” but Shields stood firm. “Nah, that’s right,” she replied. When Wallo defended Ali for “being in there fighting,” Shields doubled down: “She couldn’t rumble like Ann Wolfe. I said, ‘Who was the best from that era?’ Ann Wolfe would’ve knocked Laila Ali out.” She even quizzed the hosts on Wolfe’s accomplishments — a multi-time world champion and International Women’s Boxing Hall of Famer — before adding, “I’m glad you know, ’cause she would’ve knocked Laila’s ‘oh so pretty a**’ out. That’s the truth.”
Gillie admitted he admired both fighters and just wished the matchup could happen, but Shields wasn’t done. “I don’t think it’d be as competitive as people think,” she said. “She’s a big woman — big hands, big feet, big head — but my boxing skills are way above hers.” When Gillie suggested the age gap would favor Shields, she brushed it off: “Nah, this would just be the greatest woman of all time proving why she’s the greatest.”
VIBE reached out to Laila Ali for comment.
Earlier this year, Ali had already stirred Shields by commenting on her attitude in several interviews. “You can think you can beat me — that’s fine,” Ali said. “But when you start questioning my legacy, that’s a lot. She might go further if she stopped burning bridges.”
Ali added that she harbors no resentment: “I’ve got a lot going on to be worried about these young girls like that. But I do see she gets into it with a lot of people.”
In response, Shields accused Ali of jealousy, comparing a potential fight between them to Mike Tyson versus Jake Paul — and even told Rick Ross that Ali was “scared.”
