Laila Ali Faces Claressa Shields’ Challenge: A Possible Boxing Comeback for the Daughter of Muhammad Ali?
It’s been seventeen years since Laila Ali, 47, retired from professional boxing, but her name is making headlines once again. Recently, Claressa Shields, 29, a multi-time world champion, has expressed her hope to face the legendary Ali in the ring. Shields, who made history in her hometown of Flint, sees Ali as a potential opponent, and the challenge has piqued the interest of boxing fans.
Shields, who has often praised her training team, spoke about her recent victory over Danielle Perkins. Reflecting on the fight, Shields said, “I was the bigger puncher; I was the better boxer. I dropped her twice,” underscoring her confidence in her skills. Shields then hinted at her future plans, mentioning, “It’s always on the table if Cris Cyborg or Laila Ali want to fight.”
Claressa Shields (@claressashields Instagram)
Trejos responded: “You did mention that uh, you had the technique down, you got the strategy down, and that the power is coming to get that knockout, so with that being said, you almost accomplished it tonight, but what is next for you?”
Franchon Crews-Dezurn was the starting point for Shields, who mentioned she has two more fights lined up for this year. She also considered a rematch with Hanna Gabriels. “I love to bring Savannah Marshall to the USA and tap that a-s again, um, really, and it’s always on the table if Cris Cyborg or Laila Ali want to fight,” she continued.
The pre-fight event was filled with its own excitement. In the crowd, Khalilah Ali expressed her support for one of Shield’s representatives, saying, “I want to back her up. I’m backing her up to kick Laila’s a**. That’s why I came to see her. You make sure I see her before I leave. I’ll take her to Dubai to kick Laila’s a** … She’s my hero.”
Laila Ali with dad
Laila Ali (@thereallailaali Instagram)
Interestingly, Ali revealed that she and Shields had previously maintained a friendly relationship. Ali even offered advice to Shields on whether to stay in the Olympics or turn professional. However, when Ali recently stated that no boxer currently motivated her to return, Shields took this as a challenge. Ali clarified, “She [Shields] probably took that as a suggestion that there was no one worthy of competing with me, and that’s when she called me out.”
While the prospect of Ali returning to the ring at 48 seems unlikely, many fans have pointed out the example of 58-year-old Mike Tyson’s return to the ring after a 19-year hiatus. Could Laila Ali follow suit and come out of retirement for this much-anticipated showdown with Shields?
Only time will tell, but the possibility of this fight has left fans eager for what might be the ultimate showdown in women’s boxing.
