Claressa Shields Rips Laila Ali Once Again, Eager To Pursue UFC Career

Undisputed women's middleweight champion and unified WBC/WBO junior middleweight champ Claressa Shields takes another dig at self-proclaimed boxing GWOAT Laila Ali.

While enjoying a successful boxing career, Shields quickly becomes a hot subject in both women’s boxing and MMA. Her latest statement involves retired boxer (Laila) Ali, daughter of the great Muhammad Ali.

In a brief talk with Elie Seckbach of EsNews, the undefeated boxer revealed what started the Sheilds-Ali feud. According to Shields, a fight between her and Ali would definitely end up with her knocking out the former champ.

“Imma beat her up and probably knock her out,” Shields said about Ali fight.

“She’s 42 years old. She said she can get back in shape and knock me out but I’m a way better boxer than her so it wouldn’t happen,” Shields continued.

Shields also admitted that she used to “text and call Ali” three years ago to ask for help and support in her boxing career. However, Ali all of sudden popped out in an interview and started talking trash about her.

“She said I used to text her and call her and I did. It’s true. Cause I wanted her to support me and help me in my career. And one day she went on a Breakfast Club and she just switched and she was just like talking trash,” Shields said.

What makes Shields even more fired up about Ali is the fact that the boxing GOAT’s daughter insisted that “nobody can make her come out of retirement” as everyone in boxing today are easy fights.

“Honestly, If she want to come out of retirement and get her ass whooped, I’m out here for it,” Shields vowed.

In an appearance on TMZ Sports a few weeks ago, Shields already ripped Ali by stating that "Laila is all bark, no bite." The women’s boxing and social media star also predicted that even if she knocks Ali out, people will criticize her for beating an “old Ali.”

“When I beat her, they're going to say that I fought an old Laila Ali. They're not going to say that I beat Laila Ali when she was at her best. But overall, the way she's talking if she's like she's going to knock me out, please …my defense is too good for her," Shields pointed out.

Aside from boxing, Shields ultimately gained popularity by being linked with the UFC. In fact, she has been very vocal about her desire to fight UFC women’s champ Amanda Nunes.

Just about a month ago, Dmitry Salita of Salita Promotions revealed that Shields has been making progress in MMA and is eager to pursue a UFC career, MMA Fighting reported

“Claressa wants to be a two-sport star. In between fights, she did do some training, wrestling training, and some UFC-type training. Obviously, boxing is her domain, but Claressa has said she’d do a fight in boxing and a fight in the UFC with Amanda (Nunes),” Salita stated.