Laila Ali, daughter of the legendary Muhammad Ali and one of the most dominant female fighters of all time, has just dropped a bombshell. The retired undefeated champion revealed she might be willing to lace up her gloves again—but it’ll take a jaw-dropping $15–20 million payday to tempt her out of retirement.
The news has reignited buzz around a potential mega-fight with Claressa Shields, the Olympic gold medalist and multi-division champ many consider the best female boxer of this generation.
???? “Don’t Even Call Me Unless You Have $20 Million”
Ali, now 47, made the headline-grabbing comments in a recent interview where she was asked if she’d ever consider a comeback.
“The rumor that I heard is that unless somebody has $15, $20 million, don’t even call me [about a fight against Shields]. That’s all I got,” Ali said candidly.
“I said unless somebody calls me and says they have it, we’re not even gonna have a conversation. I’m not trying to come back and fight, but if someone offered that kind of money, I would actually have to think about it.”
Ali hasn’t stepped into the ring since 2007, when she retired with a perfect 24-0 record and an unmatched reputation as one of the sport’s fiercest competitors. Her legacy is already cemented, but a high-stakes showdown with Shields could take her star power to an entirely new level.
???? A Clash Between the GWOATs?
Claressa Shields, often called the “GWOAT” (Greatest Woman of All Time), wasted no time responding to Ali’s comments. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Shields fired back with fighting words that only fueled fans’ excitement.
“What a great weekend of boxing ????! Really motivated! Now @TheRealLailaAli I’m the GREATEST NOW! Be careful what you ask for! You know I’ve been wanting to make you eat your words! You not a better boxer than me & at 175 I’ll put you on your back! BEEN READY FOR YOU!”
Shields has been vocal about her desire to fight Ali for years, viewing it as the ultimate test of her own greatness.
???? Would It Really Take $20M To Make This Happen?
In today’s world of big-money exhibition fights, $20 million might not be as far-fetched as it sounds. Just look at the jaw-dropping purses pulled in by crossover fights like Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor or Jake Paul’s recent boxing spectacles.
Promoters know a matchup between Ali and Shields wouldn’t just attract hardcore boxing fans—it would dominate headlines, bring in casual viewers, and generate massive pay-per-view numbers globally.
???? Why Fans Are Losing Their Minds
This isn’t just about two world-class fighters—it’s about legacy, pride, and generational bragging rights.
- Laila Ali: 24-0, 21 KOs, daughter of “The Greatest” Muhammad Ali, retired undefeated.
- Claressa Shields: 14-0, 2 Olympic gold medals, undisputed titles in multiple weight classes, calls herself the “GWOAT.”
If the fight happens, it would pit a legend from boxing’s golden era against the most dominant female fighter of today.
One fan tweeted: “If Laila Ali vs. Claressa Shields happens, it’s bigger than Rousey vs. Holm! Women’s boxing needs this!”
Another wrote: “Take my money NOW. 20M purse? Somebody make this happen!”
???? Could This Be Boxing’s Next Mega-Fight?
As women’s boxing continues to gain momentum worldwide, an Ali vs. Shields clash could become a cultural moment on par with Mayweather vs. Pacquiao.
For now, though, the ball is in the promoters’ court—and fans are waiting with bated breath to see if anyone can come up with the $20 million Laila Ali demands.
???? What’s Next?
Will Laila Ali make the ultimate comeback and step into the ring with Shields? Or will this dream fight remain just that—a dream?
???? What do you think? Should Laila Ali fight Claressa Shields for $20M? Drop your thoughts below!
???? Stay tuned to The Pop Radar for more breaking updates on this potential fight and all things celebrity boxing!
