Laila Ali hits back at Claressa Shields for disrespecting Muhammad Ali

Laila Ali Responds to Claressa Shields' Remarks

Laila Ali, daughter of the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, has strongly reacted to what she views as a series of disrespectful comments made by Claressa Shields about both herself and her late father.

Tensions Between Boxing Champions

The ongoing tension between these two boxing greats resurfaced after Shields' 2021 declaration about her place in boxing history.

"No matter what boxer comes along, nobody can get in front of Muhammad Ali. That's how I feel about myself. Muhammad Ali is first, and Claressa Shields is second. I am the greatest woman of all time."

Shortly after, Shields became the undisputed female light middleweight champion, affirming her confidence with performance.

Laila Ali's Reaction

Laila Ali, a retired champion who made her own mark in women's boxing, took offense at Shields' comparison and perceived disrespect. The rift intensified in October following additional remarks by Claressa Shields.

"Actually, I'm not gonna lie, [Ann Wolfe] was the best in her (Laila Ali's) era, and I'm the best in this era. Laila Ali is just Muhammad Ali's daughter."

Details on Laila Ali’s Future

Alongside addressing these comments, Laila Ali also shared insights on her potential future involvement in the sport.

Summary

The public exchange highlights the challenges of legacy and recognition in boxing, with both athletes asserting their place in the sport’s history.

Author’s summary: Laila Ali strongly rebuffs Claressa Shields' remarks that question her legacy and relationship to Muhammad Ali, emphasizing the ongoing tension between these two boxing champions.

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MARCA MARCA — 2025-10-31

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