It was a riposte, as many expected. And perhaps many had hoped for. It finally came out like never before. The back-and-forth between Laila Ali and Claressa Shields has now become a major narrative in women’s boxing. Alongside Christy Martin, Ali remains one of the sport’s greatest icons, a pioneer in every sense. A former middleweight champion, she carried the torch of her father, Muhammad Ali. However, off late, Laila, who made a name for herself in the entertainment industry and is now a successful businesswoman post-retirement, finds her name entangled in an unsavory, and perhaps unnecessary, rivalry with Shields.

The grumbles reached new heights when Claressa Shields called out Laila Ali with a $15 million fight offer. Months passed, and her diatribe against the former champion continued. So it was finally time for Muhammad Ali’s daughter to set the record straight. On her podcast, Laila Ali KO, she went all out, picking apart Shields’ rants piece by piece. What hurt Laila the most was when Shields invoked her father’s name. It was time, she felt, for the Flint-born undisputed champion to hear the truth from her, and perhaps from her father had he been alive.

Laila Ali vs. Claressa Shields: The gloves come off

As the half-hour show neared its close, Laila Ali’s emotions reached a peak. She highlighted Shields’ habit of dragging her father’s name into their feud. “This one is so detached and delusional that she actually praises my father while trying to trash his daughter,” she said. Footage of Shields showed her claiming that even ‘The Greatest’ would not have approved of Laila’s name being mentioned in the same breath as hers, given her accomplishments.

So Laila Ali asked, “Now, what father would embrace someone like her or want to be associated with someone like her while she’s trying to tear down his very own child?” She pointed out that her father achieved greatness not only inside the ring but also outside of it. His humanity continues to inspire millions.

Mincing no words, Laila Ali remarked, “You know what my father would say? She’s a generic wannabe. My father would not want to share his name or image with her. She does not represent anything about him in the ring or outside of the ring.”

Then came the time to address the $15 million check.

Still not done yet?

Laila Ali wondered how she could be accused of being jealous of Claressa Shields when she had, in fact, voiced her unequivocal support for her. She was ready to speak about the eight-figure offer but decided to reserve it for part two of her show, which will air soon.

Yet a bigger question still looms: will she finally make a comeback? It’s been eighteen years since Laila Ali last stepped into the ring.

She may have chosen to keep her plans under wraps for now. However, one can look back at her previous comments. Speaking on The Breakfast Club, Laila Ali shared that she continues to train. However, when it comes to a return to the ring, there are hurdles. “Because I think of my healthy lifestyle, the fact that I train all the time, you know, I could pretty much do anything I wanted to. Well, I don’t think there’s anyone there for me right now that would actually give me a good challenge,” she said.

As she usually does, Shields is likely preparing her next move. Fans should stay tuned as the Laila Ali vs. Claressa Shields saga heats up once again.

Laila Ali will turn 48 on December 30. Do you think she can still take on a champion like Claressa Shields?