Ahead of the second fight between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury, at the ESPN first take, persuaded by Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman, Laila Ali, daughter of Muhammad Ali, spoke about being called out by Claressa Shields and even potentially facing the fighter by returning to boxing. Now that the undisputed middleweight champion teased her fans with an upcoming fight announcement, fans roped in Laila Ali and placed her beside Shields.
In her interview with ESPN, Ali, commenting on the growth of women, entertained the idea of potentially fighting Shields in the ring. However, she simultaneously had to be inspired by both the opponent and the purse if she were to come out of retirement and face Shields. “We want to see women continue to grow and inspire other people….Well, I have to be inspired by the opponent. I have to be inspired by the purse. Because I have multiple things going on…. I don’t need to do it. I have to want to do it“, declared Ali.
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Boxing fans guess the next opponent of Laila Ali while suggesting Laila Ali
Taking to Twitter, Shields said, “I’m screaming so loud 🤩🤩🤩🤩 I can’t wait to make my fight announcement! Omg!!!!!” At this, a number of fans could not help but suggest Shields fight Laila Ali. While Laila Ali is 45, Claressa Shields is 28 years old. It is worth noting that Ali retired in 2007, a decade before Shields made her professional debut. Anyway, as soon as Shields, who recently turned 28, voiced her excitement to announce her next fight, True Boxing Kings asked if she would fight Laila Ali prompting heated discussions.
Is it Layla Ali?
— 🥊True Boxing Kings🥊 (@TrueBoxingKings) March 22, 2023
Likewise, Jesse K commented that the only fight they wanted to see was Shields vs. Ali.
@TheRealLailaAli this the fight we really wanna see
— Jesse K (@JesseKirkland18) March 22, 2023
Meanwhile, Catwoman0829 declared that irrespective of the nature of the fight, they were excited to see yet another fight by Shields.
It doesn’t matter if it’s Boxing or MMA Champ a fight is a fight to me & I’ll be happy to see it!
— Catwoman0829 (@pjswoman0829) March 22, 2023
However, Slim Shady wished for Marshall vs. Shields.
Praying 🙏 it Marshall
— Slim Shady (@SlimShady274) March 22, 2023
However, Embrace Thesuck would much appreciate it if Shields thought about fighting Amanda Serrano in boxing.
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🥱 let us know when you ready to match Amanda Serrando @Serranosisters accomplishment of 7 division champ
— Embrace Thesuck (@ETS3262) March 22, 2023
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Who would you want Claressa Shields to fight next in boxing? Would you like to see Shields square off against Ali? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
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