‘I’m the Greatest Now!’ – Claressa Shields Issues Fiery Warning to Boxing Legend

‘I’m the Greatest Now!’ – Claressa Shields Issues Fiery Warning to Boxing Legend originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

A new spark ignites as rumors swirl about a possible showdown between a boxing icon and the self-proclaimed GWOAT.

Claressa Shields is locked in for her July 26 fight against Lani Daniels, a bout that marks her third appearance in the heavyweight ranks. After settling into the division, Shields has looked dominant, finishing Anessa Lepage-Joanisse with a second-round TKO before facing Danielle Perkins’ awkward style in her most recent outing, going the distance but dropping her opponent and nearly sealing a late stoppage. Now, as she eyes another statement performance, the conversation around Shields isn’t just about Daniels—it’s about a legend looming in the shadows.

Laila Ali, 47, daughter of the greatest of all time, is a legend in her own right. Undefeated with a 24-0 professional record and 21 knockouts, Ali reigned from 1999 to 2007 while building a brand beyond the ropes as an author, TV personality, and entrepreneur.

During the Taylor vs Serrano III broadcast, Ali’s presence fueled speculation—and Shields wasted no time adding gasoline. Taking to X, she wrote:
‘What a great weekend of boxing! Really motivated! Now @TheRealLailaAli I’m the GREATEST NOW! Be careful what you ask for! … At 175 I’ll put you on your back! BEEN READY FOR YOU!’

What a great weekend of boxing 🥊! Really motivated! Now @TheRealLailaAli I’m the GREATEST NOW! Be careful what you ask for ! You know I’ve been wanting to make you eat your words! You not a better boxer than me & at 175 I’ll put you on your back! BEEN READY FOR YOU! #GWOAT…

— Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) July 13, 2025

This could be seen as a direct response to swirling rumors and an interview Ali gave to Fight Hype about a possible showdown. In that conversation, she said:
‘Unless somebody calls me with fifteen to twenty million dollars don’t even call me. I’m not trying to come back, but if that kind of money is offered, I’d have to think about it.’

The rivalry began in 2020 when Ali teased a comeback during an appearance on ESPN’s First Take, saying she’d consider fighting Shields if the money and motivation were right.

Shields fired back in a radio interview with ESPN’s Myron Medcalf:
‘Absolutely. I have no problem with that. I feel like I’m the greatest woman of all time. I cannot be beat, not by a champion right now, a former champion, or anyone who’s bigger, stronger, faster. When she gets inside the ring, I have a game plan for everybody. And the fact that she’s going to bring out that 100% in me, you’re going to see a whole different Claressa Shields. And it’s going to be a war.’

She went further, predicting the outcome:
‘I’d knock her out by the ninth or tenth round because I’d have to cook her a little bit… It’ll be a war early, but when I start wearing her down and punching her real hard to the body, she’s gonna quit.’

Ali, for her part, remained confident:
‘Of course, I would win. I’m bigger, stronger, faster. Claressa is great, but I know my strength, I know my skill set, and it would be a challenge for her.’

With Turki Alalshikh staging mega-fights across combat sports, the purse Ali wants might not be out of reach, and the demand could see this billed as a true mega fight. If the money shows up and pride stays on the line, this could become one of the biggest women’s bouts ever.

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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.