Laila Ali Says She’d Consider Fighting Claressa Shields If the Price Is Right
Laila Ali might just be lacing up her gloves again—if the price is right.
Over the weekend, rumors swirled about a possible fight between Ali and Claressa Shields, and Ali didn’t completely shut the door. Even though she retired back in 2007, the former world champion made it clear that a comeback could happen if the money adds up.
“[U]nless somebody has $15-$20 million, don’t even call me about this,” Ali said when asked about the chatter. “Unless somebody calls me and says they have it, we’re not going to 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.”
She didn’t stop there. Before walking away, Ali threw a confident, “Do I look like I could fight again? I think so too.”
A showdown between Ali and Shields would set the boxing world on fire. Shields is a multi-time world champion who’s been ranked the pound-for-pound best female boxer active today. Ali? She’s a legend in her own right—a four-time boxing world champion and widely considered one of the greatest female pros ever to step in the ring.
The buzz picked up even more after a reporter mentioned Turki Al-Sheikh, the Saudi Arabian sports promoter behind some of the biggest recent boxing events worldwide. Al-Sheikh is also the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and is known for turning the kingdom into a hotspot for major fights. There’s talk he might be the one willing to back the kind of payday Ali’s talking about.
If that money shows up, don’t be surprised if we get to see these two warriors face off. Until then, it’s all speculation — but with Ali’s words still ringing, the boxing world better stay ready.