Clarissa Shields 'seriously pursuing' fight with Muhammad Ali's daughter

   

Claressa Shields claims to make $15million offer to fight 47-year-old Laila  Ali - but all is not as it seems

Claressa Shields is 'seriously pursuing' a fight against Muhammad Ali's daughter, Laila Ali, after successfully retaining her undisputed heavyweight championship.

The American star, who is a multi-weight world champion, defeated Lani Daniels by unanimous decision in front of 15,366 fans at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

Shields could now switch her attention to a showdown with the 47-year-old Laila Ali, who hasn't boxed since 2007, but held a world title in her unbeaten career.

Dmitriy Salita, who promotes Shields, told Sky Sports: "Claressa Shields continues to break barriers and elevate the sport of boxing with every move she makes.

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"Following her historic win in Detroit, we're focused on keeping her active and aligned with her mission - fighting the biggest and best.

 

Claressa Shields captures the undisputed heavyweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Danielle Perkins on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025 at Dort Financial Center in Flint. (Jake May/The Flint Journal via AP)

Image: Claressa Shields captures the undisputed heavyweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Danielle Perkins

"A matchup with Laila Ali would be a monumental moment in sports history: the daughter of the GOAT vs the GWOAT, two generational icons whose stories transcend boxing. That's a fight we're seriously pursuing."

Shields defeated Savannah Marshall, avenging her only boxing defeat while an amateur, to become an undisputed middleweight champion in front of a massive audience at The O2.

But Salita believes the two-time Olympic gold medallist can still reach new heights in her trailblazing career.

"At the same time, Claressa's legacy is still being written," he told Sky Sports. "She's a symbol of inspiration and resilience, and we're working on opportunities that push new boundaries - title defences, new weight classes, and global events that continue to grow the sport.

"What she's done is already historic, but what's ahead may be even greater."