Laila Ali firmly declined a $15 million offer to return to boxing and ended her years-long feud with Claressa Shields in a candid statement on her podcast.
On October 30, during an episode of her new show Laila Ali KO, the retired boxing champion and daughter of Muhammad Ali made it clear that she will never step into the ring against Shields.
“Absolutely not,” Ali said when asked if Shields’ public pressure had persuaded her. “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, trying to use his name to discredit his daughter.”
Ali, 47, criticized Shields for repeatedly disrespecting her late father, Muhammad Ali, in their conflict. She stated the damage was irreparable and refused to give Shields the opportunity to face her in the ring.
“She will not be rewarded with the opportunity to share the ring with me or anything else,” Ali added firmly.
Laila Ali has decisively closed the door on a potential fight with Claressa Shields, prioritizing respect and legacy over financial gain.
Would you like the tone to be more formal or more conversational?