Laila Ali may be lacing up her gloves once more—however provided that the supply is large enough. The previous world champion, who retired in 2007, fuelled hypothesis when she responded to latest chatter a couple of potential combat with Claressa Shields. When pressed throughout a latest interview with reporters from FightHype, she didn’t mince her expectations: “Except any individual has $15‑$20 million, don’t even name me about this.”
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She went on: “Except any individual calls me and says they’ve it, we’re not going to have a dialog. I’m not attempting to come back again and combat, but when somebody provided that form of cash, I’d even have to consider it.” Then, with a assured self-assessment, she added earlier than strolling off, “Do I seem like I may combat once more? I believe so too.”
A conflict between Ali and Shields would undoubtedly draw huge consideration. Shields, a dominant multi‑world champion, has been broadly thought to be the highest energetic feminine boxer on the planet. Ali, after all, stays a legend in her personal proper: a former multi‑title holder and some of the celebrated feminine professionals in boxing historical past.
Curiosity on this matchup may attain a fever pitch if a excessive‑profile backer emerges. One title already floated is Saudi Arabian sports activities promoter Turki Al‑Sheikh. He has established himself as a serious power in world boxing, funding marquee occasions and serving to rework Saudi Arabia right into a premier house for the game. If Al‑Sheikh, or anybody else, can meet Ali’s costly threshold, followers could lastly get the dream showdown: a return from the retirement stage for Ali, and a blockbuster battle with Shields on the road.
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