Laila Ali demands, Claressa Shields delivers: 15 million dollars, arenas and dates. The only thing missing now is a commitment from Muhammad Ali’s daughter.
Perhaps the biggest women’s boxing sensation of all time could soon become a reality! Claressa Shields announced that her team has raised the 15 million dollars demanded by Laila Ali – paving the way for the superfight. In a video to TMZ Sports, the undefeated world champion (16-0) confidently said, “Laila, I have great news. We have the 15 million together! The fight between us can go up – GWOAT against the daughter of Muhammad Ali. Let’s make it happen!”
According to Shields’ team, the funding comes from Ruben Branson and Wynn Records, who are willing to put on the spectacle. Even an oversized check has already been written – put on display as a public offering to Laila Ali. Ali (24-0), who has not been in the ring for almost 20 years, recently emphasized that she would only talk about a comeback if the purse was at least 15 million dollars. This is exactly the sum that is now on the table.
According to Shields, possible dates and two prominent venues are already available: the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and the AT&T Stadium in Dallas. Shields, who calls herself the “Greatest Woman of All Time” (GWOAT), issued a direct challenge to 47-year-old Ali: “You’ve named the amount – we’ve delivered. Now it’s up to you. Will the fight happen or not?”
Text by Robin Josten