The boxing world is buzzing after Claressa Shields accused Laila Ali of harboring jealousy toward her career achievements. The dispute reignited following Ali’s recent appearance on the All the Smoke Fight podcast, where she reflected on her legacy and addressed tension with Shields.
Laila Ali vs. Claressa Shields
Ali, a retired four-time champion and daughter of Muhammad Ali, claimed their conflict began in 2012 when Shields reached out for mentorship after winning her first Olympic gold medal. Ali suggested that Shields drop a weight class to excel further but later mentioned in interviews that she found no inspiration to return to boxing. Shields reportedly took offense, leading to a long-running feud.
“You can think you can beat me,” Ali said. “That’s fine. You’re supposed to think that. But to start going in on my legacy… that’s a lot.”
Ali also advised Shields to avoid “burning bridges” in her career, adding, “I don’t have any hard feelings against Claressa… but she gets into it with a lot of people.”
Shields, the self-proclaimed “GWOAT” (Greatest Woman of All Time), didn’t hold back in her response. In a passionate video posted online, the 29-year-old dismissed Ali’s advice and questioned her motives.
“I’ve come to terms that she’s jealous,” Shields stated. “Now, I got the biopic, I got the fight coming up. She acts like I owe her something—it’s weird.”
Shields argued that her accomplishments already surpass Ali’s legacy, noting her Olympic triumphs and dominance in multiple weight divisions. She also criticized Ali’s lack of support during her rise in the sport.
“This is my era now, and she’s never supported me in my era,” Shields said. “She’s giving off hater energy. And bro, you’re not going to fight me. So why do you keep bringing me up?”
The feud underscores a generational divide in women’s boxing, with Shields carving a path as a modern icon while Ali remains a respected but polarizing figure. Whether this war of words will ever lead to resolution—or even a promotional spectacle—remains to be seen. For now, the ring of public opinion remains as heated as any title fight.
