Not sure whether Laila Ali heard the bugle call. It’s been seventeen years since Muhammad Ali‘s daughter retired from professional boxing. However, for reasons that may not entirely be of her doing, she must have been surprised when her name grabbed headlines. Following her history-making feat in her hometown of Flint, Claressa Shields seems quite optimistic about a matchup with Laila Ali.

What makes the storyline so intriguing is the unexpected show of support Shields received. Something one may not have expected at all. Khalilah Ali, Muhammad Ali’s ex-wife, would love to see Claressa Shields hand over a sound drubbing to Laila Ali. On February 2, Claressa Shields defeated Danielle Perkins by a unanimous decision and became boxing’s first three-division undisputed champion. But the two-time Olympic gold medalist doesn’t want to stop now. In her sights, she has a range of alternatives to choose from.

Claressa Shields: Further milestones to affirm her greatness

After her historic feat of greatness, Claressa Shields thanked God and her wonderful team, who supported her through the ordeal. She didn’t forget to thank her opponent, Danielle Perkins, either. That prompted Claudia Trejos to ask whether it surprised Shields when, despite being overwhelmed, Perkins continued to push forward in their bout.

Shields revealed that unlike Perkins, who fought as a heavyweight, she had to cut weight. So she was well aware that it was going to be a tough fight. However, she was equally confident about her abilities. “I was the bigger puncher; I was the better boxer. I dropped her twice,” Shields highlighted.

Trejos continued, “You did mention that uh, you had the technique down, you got the strategy down, and that the power is coming to get that knockout, so with that being said, you almost accomplished it tonight, but what is next for you?”

Beginning with Franchon Crews-Dezurn, Shields revealed she had plans for two more this year. Other options included a rematch with Hanna Gabriels. “I love to bring Savannah Marshall to the USA and tap that a-s again, um, really, and it’s always on the table if Cris Cyborg or Laila Ali want to fight,” she added further.

The pre-fight event came with its own share of drama. Sitting among the audience, Khalilah Ali, told one of Shield’s representatives, “I want to back her up. I’m backing her up to kick Laila’s a**. That’s why I came to see her. You make sure I see her before I leave. I’ll take her to Dubai to kick Laila’s a** … She’s my hero.” But why did the GWOAT even call out Ali in the first place? Well, it seems like Laila has the answer to that. Let’s find out!

The spark of the feud, according to Laila Ali

While speaking with legend Andre Ward, Laila Ali explained that initially both she and Claressa Shields enjoyed cordial terms. She offered Shields advice on whether to stay in the Olympics or go pro. Over time, they stayed in touch, and Shields would reach out before fights.

However, during an interview, Ali was asked about women’s boxing and whether she would return to the ring. She responded that she didn’t see anyone in the sport who inspired her to make a comeback. It seems Shields took offense to this comment. Perhaps she interpreted it as Ali saying there was no real competition for her. Hence incited, Shields reportedly called her out for a fight, Laila Ali claimed.

Laila Ali will turn 48 this year, and the likelihood of her staging a comeback after so many years seems slim. But on the flip side, some fans may argue that if 58-year-old Mike Tyson could come out of a 19-year retirement to fight an opponent 30 years his junior, then Ali could follow in his footsteps. Let’s not forget that Shields’ opponent, Danielle Perkins, was 42. So are we looking at a future matchup? Or is this just a fleeting conflict?