Claressa Shields just delivered the ultimate power move in women’s boxing—securing a staggering $15 million purse to tempt the legendary Laila Ali out of retirement for what could become one of the most iconic fights in sports history.
In a video message sent exclusively to TMZ Sports on Thursday, Shields confirmed that the massive purse Ali once demanded is now ready to go.
“Laila, I’m here with my team. I got some great news for you. We got the $15 million!” Shields announced in the clip.
“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.”
The $15 Million Question: Will Laila Ali Accept?
Laila Ali, 47, has been retired for nearly two decades and has consistently said she’s not actively looking to fight again. However, she previously admitted that a purse in the range of $15–20 million might be enough to draw her back into the spotlight.
“Unless somebody has $15, $20 million, don’t even call me [about a fight with Shields],” Ali said during a past interview.
“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.”
Well, Claressa Shields has now called her bluff—and brought the bag.
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The Backing Behind the Bag
The historic offer comes with financial backing from Ruben Branson’s Wynn Records, which presented Shields with an enormous check to cement the deal. The $15M purse would make this one of the biggest paydays in women’s boxing history and instantly catapult the fight into global headlines.
For Shields, often hailed as the GWOAT (“Greatest Woman of All Time”), this bout would be the ultimate validation of her career.
A Legacy Match for the Ages
This wouldn’t just be a fight—it would be a generational clash: the reigning GWOAT versus the daughter of the greatest of all time, Muhammad Ali.
If Ali accepts, the fight would:
???? Set a new standard for women’s boxing purses.
???? Draw worldwide attention from sports and pop culture fans alike.
???? Potentially spark one of the most-watched women’s sporting events ever.
Fans React: The Internet Is Already Buzzing
Social media has exploded since Shields’ announcement:
???? “$15 million?? This NEEDS to happen. Laila Ali vs. Shields is a dream fight!”
???? “If Laila takes this, it’ll be the biggest women’s fight in history, no question.”
???? “Not gonna lie, I think Shields takes her… but I still wanna see it!”
Will Laila Step Back Into the Ring?
As of now, Laila Ali has yet to respond to Shields’ challenge. But with $15 million on the table, fans and critics alike are waiting to see if the undefeated boxing legend (24-0, 21 KOs) will lace up her gloves one more time.
???? Do you think Laila Ali will accept Claressa Shields’ $15M challenge? Would this be the biggest fight in women’s boxing? Drop your thoughts below!
???? Stay locked to Pop Radar (TPR) for the latest updates on this potential mega-fight.
