Laila Ali has not held back in her reaction to Claressa Shields’ latest comments.
Ali and Shields have been at odds for several weeks, with the latter starting a crusade to try and lure the female boxing legend out of retirement.
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Her father, heavyweight legend Muhammad Ali, became her biggest supporter after initially being unsure if boxing was the correct move for LailaCredit: Getty
Shields has criticised the legacy of the power-punching great, going as far as suggesting her legacy is solely based on the career of her legendary father.
Recently, Shields suggested she had made a formal offer of $15 million for Ali to take on the self declared ‘greatest women of all-time’.
But the current undisputed heavyweight queen suggested it fell on deaf ears.
Albeit it has now prompted a public response from the 47-year-old, who has been left agitated by the public character assassination.
She posted a 30-minute video addressing the two-time Olympic gold medalist’s recent jibes.
The 47-year-old did not refrain from speaking her mind as she set the record straight and teased a possible return to the sport, following the public offer in July.
Ali said: “I am not going to let someone with bad character continue running freely and dragging my name without accountability.
“This is in response to the ongoing lies, harassment, and false narrative created by Claressa Shields.
“Since 2018, Claressa Shields has repeatedly used my name to gain visibility and build her public persona.
“Her obsession with being seen as a better fighter than me stems from her desire to be viewed as the greatest female boxer of all time.
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Ali has had ample success away from the ring as she pursued other careers, although that hasn’t stopped Shields from repeatedly trying to coax her into accepting a fightCredit: Scott Halleran/Getty Images
“Shields has even drawn constant comparisons between herself and my father, while referring to herself as the self-proclaimed GWOAT.
“Although Shields often claims to uplift women in boxing, her support only extends as far as she is seen as being at the top.
“Her actions reveal a pattern of competition rooted in insecurity rather than empowerment. Unfortunately, this behavior has made her a toxic presence within women’s boxing and, more broadly, women’s sports.”
Ali made her intentions for the video clear, as she said: “For years, I’ve chosen not to respond to Shields’ professional and personal attacks, allowing her character and legacy to speak on her behalf…
“Many have been misled by Shields’ public claims that I failed to support her out of jealousy – an accusation that is completely untrue.”
Concluding the video, Ali added: “Claressa Shields is the only boxer who has intentionally and publicly positioned herself against me in an effort to elevate her own profile at my expense.
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Ali knocked-out O’Neil in the first round in 2007 to retain her WBC super-middleweight title in her final fight before retiringCredit: AFP/AFP via Getty Images
“It’s time for the truth to be told – let the record speak.”
What is Laila Ali’s record?
Prior to departing from the professional scene in 2007, Ali (24-0) had built her own legacy after following her father’s footsteps into the sport.
During her eight years of activity as a pro, Ali claimed blistering victories over the likes of Christy Martin, Nikki Eplion and Gwendolyn O’Neil.
She also held the WBC, WIBA, IWBF and IBA super middleweight titles, as well as the IWBF light heavyweight title, across her career.
With an impressive array of major titles under her belt, Ali was a trailblazer for women’s boxing and women’s sport in general.
She was then inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015, recognition of her achievements which see many rank her as one of the all-time greats.
I’m Muhammad Ali’s grandson who never wanted to fight – now I’m an undefeated MMA star chasing world titles to prove I belong
Ali retired with an unblemished record, but has remained ingrained in the sport, even commentating on the undercard of Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson.
Should the veteran opt to take Shields’ staggering offer, it would be one of the biggest commercial events in women’s boxing history.