The gloves are off—but not in the ring just yet.
Boxing legend Laila Ali is making it clear: if rising superstar Claressa Shields wants to see her in the ring, it’ll cost up to $20 million. And until then? Fans are just going to have to wait.
A Decade-Long Feud Reignited
The tension between Ali, 47, and Shields, 30, is nothing new. Their feud began back in 2018, but it exploded in 2020 when Ali went on record saying it would take $15 million to lure her out of retirement.
Since then, the two have gone back and forth on social media, with fans hoping for a generational grudge match that could change the face of women’s boxing forever.
️ “Practice Patience,” Says Ali
Fast forward to 2025, and the fire hasn’t cooled. In January, Ali appeared on a podcast with fellow boxing champ Andre Ward, where she opened up about her complicated feelings toward Shields.
That interview sparked yet another online war of words. Shields didn’t hold back, firing shots at Ali and daring her to finally accept the challenge.
“I just wanna whoop her a**,” Shields recently wrote in the comments on Hollywood Unlocked.
“She always disrespects me and talks sh*t. I wanna see her get dusted.”
But Ali didn’t respond with punches—she responded with a recipe.
From Boxing to Persian Cucumbers?
On August 5, instead of addressing Shields’ latest public dare, Ali posted on Instagram promoting her new cooking show, sharing a Persian cucumber recipe with fans. She even threw some light trolling into the mix, mocking the frenzy around her silence.
“Some of y’all need to stop sweating and start seasoning,” Ali quipped in the caption.
That pivot from boxing back to lifestyle content only stirred the pot more. Fans flooded the comments demanding a response to Shields’ $15M offer—especially after Shields claimed she had secured the bag.
Ali Raises the Stakes: $15M–$20M or Nothing
Just days before her culinary post, Ali raised her asking price, now claiming she’d only consider a comeback if the purse was between $15 and $20 million.
“It’s gotta be worth it. I walked away undefeated. I don’t need the ring to define me,” Ali has previously stated.
And she’s not wrong. Laila Ali retired in 2007 with a perfect 24-0 record, multiple championships, and the legacy of her legendary father, Muhammad Ali, behind her.
Claressa Shields: “The GWOAT” Wants Smoke
Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and multi-division world champion, is hailed as the most decorated female boxer of her generation. She’s held titles in three weight classes and proudly calls herself “The GWOAT” — Greatest Woman of All Time.
And she’s made it clear: she’s not here for the games.
“She keeps ducking. I’m here. I’ve got the money. Let’s go,” Shields declared during a July media run.
But despite Shields’ confidence and the money allegedly being on the table, Ali has yet to bite.
Legacy vs. Respect: What’s Really at Stake?
This fight is about more than belts or money—it’s about legacy, pride, and respect.
For Shields, beating Ali would be the ultimate passing of the torch moment—a chance to take down a name that still holds weight globally.
For Ali, stepping back into the ring after nearly two decades is a massive risk. She’s not just risking a flawless record—she’s risking the perception of a perfect exit.
“If I do it, I’ll do it on my terms. Not for clout. Not for noise. For history,” Ali has said.
So, Is This Fight Actually Happening?
Here’s what we know:
- Ali wants $15–$20M
- Shields claims she has $15M ready
- Ali hasn’t accepted
- Fans are losing patience
While there’s clearly interest—and drama—both parties have yet to sign on the dotted line.
Until then, the tension remains thick, and the boxing world is on pause.
What’s Next for Boxing’s Most Wanted Fight?
Will Laila Ali finally step out of retirement for one last historic match?
Can Claressa Shields make the fight happen—and silence the skeptics?
Sound off below: Should Laila Ali take the fight or keep her crown untouched?
Stay locked in with The Pop Radar (TPR) for every twist, drag, clapback, and update on this brewing boxing showdown.