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Laila Ali Shuts Down Claressa Shields Fight Talk as Feud Escalates Online

Ali cites disrespect toward her late father as the reason she refuses to entertain a bout.

Overview

  • On her Laila Ali KO podcast, Ali said she will "absolutely not" fight Shields and will not "reward" her with a ring opportunity.
  • Ali accused Shields of spreading "blatant lies" and using Muhammad Ali’s name to discredit her, calling the conduct beyond repair.
  • In a new YouTube clip, Ali mocked Shields’ punching power with the line “can’t bust a grape,” fueling fresh discussion across social platforms.
  • Shields posted a YouTube rebuttal that cast the dispute as a generational clash, saying the older generation is "hating on the youth" and that Ali is "losing the fight."
  • Speculation about a roughly $15 million exhibition persists, but no agreement exists as attention shifts to legacy, respect, and women’s boxing’s visibility.