Claressa Shields said she had chased Laila Ali Bout, claiming she brought $15 million in raising funds for Ali’s team.
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Claressa Shields is in a long-running fantasy battle with Laila Ali, and she plays without hesitation.
The three-time undisputed world champion told TMZ that despite months of buzz and big offers on the table, Ali’s camp rejected the match.
“Lyra and her representatives told us no,” Shields said. “Like, the answer is ‘no. She doesn’t want to fight.
The backstory is this: Ali once proposed the idea that $15 million might bring her back. Shields said she was busy with the money and expected to reach the deal. Instead, she said Ali pulled the plug on one side.
“I thought she was about all the talk. She wanted $15 million. I went $15 million. Now it was all the defender. So, you know, congratulations on everything she did. But I’m going on my career,” Shields said.
You may remember that we interviewed Claressa five years ago. She was trying to finish the battle, but nothing was there.
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This struggle – never – has sparked a lot of debate online. Some people think the retired 47-year-old has no proof, but she did name her price. Her nemesis went. For retired champions, facing another champion doesn’t make much sense. Some say Claressa Shields is disconnected by seeing Ali’s decision as fear.
One commenter wrote: “Laila is happy with her life. Go to fight Mike Tyson.” Another said: “Are you scared? Girl, Laila’s performance and salary. She is a brand and there is nothing to fight with you. Please go somewhere.”
Not everyone disagrees with Shields’ confidence, but the consensus tends toward Ali’s benefits. Some people I know are really not satisfied with Ali’s daughter. Meanwhile, it’s boxing and trash talk is the norm.
The shield is OK. She went to social media to flash nearly $90,000 in diamond watch. She also posted other things but was going to socialize. I won’t show all her floss when I live in the cabin!