DETROIT, MICHIGAN – APRIL 18: Claressa Shields of USA speaks throughout a press convention at Little … Extra Caesars Enviornment on April 18, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Picture by Terrell Groggins/Getty Photographs)Terrell Groggins
Claressa Shields has executed every little thing anybody may think about in a boxing ring, and the 30-year-old future Corridor of Famer is looking for the largest luggage attainable. And she is going to name nearly any title to get it—Jake Paul, Mike Tyson, and Laila Ali included.
Shields’ longstanding feud with fellow legend and daughter of Muhammad Ali, Laila Ali, bought one other layer added this previous weekend.
Ali labored the Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano occasion in New York as an analyst, and she or he did a wonderful job, however she couldn’t escape the Shields query. What wouldn’t it take for her to struggle Shields, as the 2 have talked a few potential struggle hear and there for years?
Ali didn’t sound overly within the concept, however she did say she’d take into account it if supplied $15–$20 million. For that a lot cash, who wouldn’t take into account it?
Shields was additionally on the struggle, although not a part of the printed in any respect—which was a disgrace contemplating it was the best all-women’s boxing occasion ever, and Shields is, by most accounts, the GOAT.
When Shields bought wind of Ali’s feedback, she took to social media to name her out and even referred to as herself “the Biggest,” in a jab at her dad.
Shields took some criticism for pursuing a struggle in opposition to a 47-year-old, however she shot again with a whataboutism geared toward Jake Paul and Mike Tyson.
In actuality, the 2 conditions are completely different however nonetheless in all probability equal total. Tyson is 31 years older than Paul, however the latter is much much less skilled regardless of his fast enchancment since turning professional.
The age hole is clearly smaller between Shields and Ali, however on this occasion, the youthful fighter is rather more achieved, and you might argue, harmful proportionately.
It’s all probably a moot level.
Ali has not responded—a minimum of not on social media. Nonetheless, that’s par for the course, contemplating she hasn’t posted on X since 2023. When you have a look at Ali’s Instagram, it barely appears to be like just like the account of an individual who used to field, not to mention somebody who’s the kid of essentially the most well-known fighter in historical past.
The cash can be engaging—if it will get astronomical—however Ali appears to be like too blissful and content material together with her life outdoors the ring to noticeably take into account combating once more.
I’d nonetheless say there’s a few 5–10% probability this ever occurs, however you’ll be able to’t fault Shields for making an attempt to arrange a struggle that may in all probability earn her greater than each different struggle she’s had mixed.
Shields’ subsequent struggle is on July 26, when she defends her undisputed heavyweight title in opposition to 37-year-old Lani Daniels. It appears to be like like one other wildly lopsided matchup that Shields is sure to deal with with out a lot problem.
She placed on a present dismantling and dropping Danielle Perkins in her final struggle. Primarily based on what I’ve seen from Daniels, it’s onerous to think about the result being a lot completely different. In any case, I’ll be watching and overlaying the struggle.
