The triumph of Williams in the 2015 Grand Slam Singles drew global recognition. During a Youth Tennis exhibition held at the US Open, boxing sensation Laila Ali offered notable comments about Williams.
The unbeaten 24-0 boxer praised Williams for her rise from an unconventional background to tennis excellence. Ali noted the pressure Williams exudes on the court and even mused about Williams' potential as a boxer.
As per Ali, "Serena is one of the most impressive athletes in history. There isn’t any one thing in particular about that stands out because you can check off all the boxes with her, whether it’s speed, power, balance, or discipline. That’s what makes her so great."
She also stated, "Boxing is a whole other thing. You can be physically fit and strong, but can you take a punch? Do you want to take a punch? I’ve met Serena, and she’s a very nice girl, she’s a girly-girl. I don’t think she’d want to get hit. But if she wanted to be a boxer, she could. She could really do any sport that she wants to because she’s physically built to be an athlete."
Boxing and tennis enthusiasts were captivated by an old photo posted by Laila Ali featuring herself and Serena Williams. The photo was taken during the 2014 US Open, noting in the caption, "#ThrowbackThursday 2014 at the US Open."
Mike Tyson, famously dubbed "The Baddest Man on the Planet," once stepped back from a potential boxing match against tennis legend Serena Williams. Tyson posted an Instagram picture with Williams, both sporting boxing gloves with the caption, "I don’t want to get in the ring with this GOAT @serenawilliams much love and respect."