{"id":217650,"date":"2025-10-22T10:41:09","date_gmt":"2025-10-22T10:41:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/217650\/"},"modified":"2025-10-22T10:41:09","modified_gmt":"2025-10-22T10:41:09","slug":"laila-ali-blasts-toxic-insecure-claressa-shields-teases-comeback","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/217650\/","title":{"rendered":"Laila Ali blasts ‘toxic, insecure\u2019 Claressa Shields, teases comeback"},"content":{"rendered":"

Claressa Shields<\/a> has consistently stirred the pot with Laila Ali in recent years, going as far as telling the 47-year-old that she should stay in the kitchen and continue doing cooking shows instead of getting in the ring to fight her.
Ali (24-0, 21 KOs), the daughter of Muhammad Ali<\/a>, has not fought since retiring in 2007 and is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame. She\u2019s built a lucrative second career for herself across television shows, modeling, books, a line of spice blends, and more.
But still, Shields wants to bring her out of retirement, going as far as offering Ali<\/a> $15 million in July for a fight. <\/p>\n

Earlier this week, Shields quipped on the “Million Dollaz Worth of Game” Podcast that Ali is “just Muhammad Ali’s daughter\u201d and that \u201cAnn Wolfe would have knocked Laila Ali’s oh so pretty ass out.\u201d <\/p>\n

The latest insult seemed to be the straw that broke Ali\u2019s back, because soon afterward, Ali posted a 30-minute video blasting Shields on how she\u2019s been conducting herself. <\/p>\n

\u201cI am not going to let someone with bad character continue running freely and dragging my name without accountability,\u201d said Ali. \u201cThis is in response to the ongoing lies, harassment, and false narrative created by Claressa Shields. <\/p>\n

\u201cSince 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. Shields has even drawn constant comparisons between herself and my father, while referring to herself as the self-proclaimed GWOAT.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlthough 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\u2019s boxing and, more broadly, women\u2019s sports.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor years, I’ve chosen not to respond to Shields\u2019 professional and personal attacks, allowing her character and legacy to speak on her behalf. I refused to feed into stereotypes of women tearing each other down or make the sport appear messy and divided. Aware that many people look up to me, I have always carried myself with composure and responsibility \u2013 representing women\u2019s boxing with the dignity it deserves.<\/p>\n

\u201cMany have been misled by Shields\u2019 public claims that I failed to support her out of jealousy \u2013 an accusation that is completely untrue.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe facts are clear: I retired undefeated with a record of 24-0, including 21 knockouts. I am a world champion who held five world titles and am enshrined in the International Boxing Hall of Fame, alongside my legendary father. I have achieved unmatched success during my era, conquering every fighter who accepted the challenge and set a standard that still stands today.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have always supported, acknowledged, and celebrated other female fighters who show respect for the sport and for those who came before them. 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s time for the truth to be told \u2013 let the record speak.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the video came to an end, Ali teased a follow-up to address the $15 million offer Shields made, and if she\u2019s actually planning a comeback. <\/p>\n

Manouk Akopyan is The Ring\u2019s lead writer. Follow him on X<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>: @ManoukAkopyan.