• Claressa Shields, fresh off a dominant title defense, says a $15 million fight offer is in escrow to face retired legend Laila Ali. The GWOAT eyes legacy, redemption, and free-agent leverage in what could become one of the biggest women’s boxing events in history.

DETROIT, Mich. (TDR) — Undisputed heavyweight champion Claressa Shields has never been short on confidence—or ambition. But fresh off her latest title defense, the self-proclaimed “GWOAT” (Greatest Woman Of All Time) is setting her sights even higher: a megafight with boxing royalty, Laila Ali. Shields revealed Wednesday on DAZN’s Ariel x Ade Show that a $15 million offer is already in escrow for Ali to accept.

“I know that Wynn Records has the $15 million and it’s in escrow,” Shields said. “If Laila wants to fight for that, it’s there.”

The potential bout would pit Shields, 30, against the 47-year-old daughter of Muhammad Ali, who retired undefeated in 2007 with a 24-0 record. Ali has not entered the ring in 18 years. Still, her legacy looms large over women’s boxing—and Shields believes a showdown is long overdue.

Legacy Meets Legacy

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Critics argue Shields has little to gain from facing a fighter nearly two decades removed from competition. But for Shields, this isn’t about risk; it’s about resolving a lingering debate over who truly holds the crown in women’s boxing.

“If we were to fight each other in our primes, I would’ve still won,” Shields asserted. “I would’ve knocked her out.”

Ali has previously dismissed Shields’ power and technical prowess. That’s a slight the Flint, Michigan native has not forgotten.

“She said she doesn’t need long to get in the ring and beat me,” Shields recalled. “She said I ain’t got enough power, I’m not big enough, not skilled enough… So therefore I just ain’t s***, right? So she shouldn’t need all that much time.”

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Shields argues that Ali has stirred speculation by claiming she stays in shape, trains regularly, and would only need proper motivation—read: the right purse—to return. With that condition now met, Shields believes the ball is in Ali’s court.

Beyond the Ring: Free Agency and Power Moves

Shields’ latest win—a unanimous decision over Lani Daniels in front of 15,366 fans at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena—marked the end of her promotional deal with Salita Promotions. As a newly minted free agent, she’s now weighing her next move in the marketplace.

“Now that I’m a free agent, I want to hear the deals,” Shields said. “There are a lot of promotions that have shown me nothing but disrespect.”

The Salita contract included a 30-day Right of First Negotiation, but promoter Dmitry Salita waived that clause, giving Shields the green light to explore other offers immediately.

Her drawing power is no longer in question. The Detroit turnout speaks volumes at a time when American boxing is struggling to produce marquee names. With no promotional obligations and growing leverage, Shields is poised to command top-dollar attention—whether from PBC, Top Rank, Matchroom, or a new player like Wynn Records.

“There’s always been a myth that I can’t sell,” Shields added. “Now we know that’s absolutely a lie.”

GWOAT vs. GOAT’s Daughter?

Though Ali hasn’t responded to the latest offer, the prospect of a return bout would not only electrify women’s boxing but also bridge generations. If made, the fight could become one of the highest-grossing events in the sport’s history.

Still, time is the greatest obstacle. Ali would enter the ring 17 years older and vastly less active. But as Shields sees it, the narrative has already been set.

“It’s a passing of the torch,” she said. “Either you pass it verbally—or the up-and-coming takes it.”

Will Laila Ali answer the challenge—or leave the GWOAT throne unclaimed?

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