Claressa Shields’ latest win in Detroit came with an unexpected storyline thanks to Muhammad Ali’s former wife, Khalilah Camacho-Ali.
After Shields defeated Lani Daniels by unanimous decision at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday, July 26, Khalilah weighed in on the long-rumored Shields vs. Laila Ali matchup—and didn’t hold back.
Speaking to Seconds Out, Khalilah said, “I think Laila needs to stay in the kitchen,” a remark she repeated during Shields’ post-fight press conference while praising the champion with, “You the champ. You the champ.” Shields, who improved to 17-0 with three knockouts, smiled and replied, "Thank you. I am trying to whoop Laila Ali's a**."
The back-and-forth touches a feud that’s simmered for years. Shields has stated that her team has placed $15 million in escrow for Laila, should she accept a bout.
Laila, the daughter of Muhammad Ali and his third wife, Veronica, retired unbeaten at 24-0 with 21 KOs in 2007 and is now 47. She has previously indicated she would want $15 million to $20 million to return.
In a follow-up with USA TODAY Sports, Khalilah expanded on her stance, quipping, “Yeah, she’s a good cook. I mean, she got all kind of spices in her name,” before drawing a sharper comparison between the two fighters. “As a fighter, she’s not as good as Claressa. She doesn’t have that bulldog attitude.”
Khalilah added that she has attended Shields’ last two Detroit fights while in the city for other engagements. She also questioned whether a comeback would be worth it for Laila, pointing to potential risks to her business ventures and public reputation.
Laila is married to retired NFL receiver Curtis Conway and has two teenage children.
Ultimately, Khalilah closed the door on the idea of a return, saying of Laila: “I think she’s a great young woman with a beautiful family. I think she needs to leave (boxing) alone. She’s too old for that, and she’s not that good.”
