‘She Let It Die’ – Claressa Shields Sends Cold Message to a Boxing Icon

‘She Let It Die’ – Claressa Shields Sends Cold Message to a Boxing Icon originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

An intense post-press conference interview adds drama to an already high-stakes fight night in Detroit.

Claressa Shields is heading into a major showdown with plenty to say. With her clash against Lani Daniels set for July 26th at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, the undisputed champion didn’t hold back during fight week. While the world gears up for the action inside the ring, Shields sparked headlines outside of it by taking aim at one of boxing’s most recognizable names.

In a video captured by Fight Hype during the final press conference for Shields vs. Daniels, the question of a reported $15 million offer to Laila Ali came up—Shields took direct aim at Ali’s legacy.

‘She’s a pioneer but she’s not relevant right now,’ Shields said. ‘People give her props about how she built up women’s boxing and I just don’t feel the same way. Before I came and fought on premium cable in 2017, there wasn’t a woman who fought on TV in 20 years—and that was Laila Ali vs. Jackie Frazier. What did you really do for women’s boxing? You let it die for 20 years and then I had to come and put in the extra work to get it where it is now.’

Shields made her stance clear, adding: ‘I would never do that—I’m going to pass the torch to someone who will carry the sport forward.’ For now, the verbal fireworks only fuel a fight week already packed with anticipation, as Shields confirmed she still hasn’t heard back from Ali on the offer. All eyes now shift to Saturday night, where Shields looks to silence the noise with her performance inside the ring

Related: Claressa Shields vs Laila Ali Beef Explained

Related: Claressa Shields Makes a Massive Power Move After Legend Demands $15M

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 24, 2025, where it first appeared.