Claressa Shields Responds To Laila Ali’s ‘Burning Bridges’ Comment

Claressa Shields and Laila Ali
Image Source: Instagram

Claressa Shields and Laila Ali have yet to face each other in a boxing ring, but they are having a smooth fight online. These two reputable female boxers have recently tugged at each other’s hair without backing down. But the most recent reaction is from Shields, a younger fighter who is all out to create a legacy.

Laila Ali Targets Claressa Shields In A Recent Interview

At first, Ali and Shields established a mentor-mentee relationship worthy of envy.  But it did not take long before it deteriorated into a rivalry that metamorphosed into a public spat. However, both women have maintained their distance recently. Yet, they did not back down when it came to clawing at each other with their words.

In a rather honest tone, Ali recently revealed that she inspired Shields, but she soon began questioning the older fighter’s feats. In a 2019 “Sways Universe” interview, Shields touted her fighting abilities by claiming she would defeat Ali.

While Ali never doubted the younger boxer’s prowess, she felt disrespected as Shields often raved about her underachievement. The 47-year-old further resounded that Shield’s attitude would be her undoing. In the interview, she claimed:

“I see that she gets into it with a lot of people. She gets into it with a lot of female fighters. She gets into it with male fighters. So obviously that’s a thing for her. Hopefully, she’ll figure that out because you’re not going to get very far in this life if you continue burning bridges.”


Just as the words came out of Ali’s mouth, Shields, known for her combative nature, reacted. The latter proved to be in her era while lambasting her senior colleague.

Claressa Shields Blasts  Laila Ali’s “Burning Bridges” Comment

Via a five-minute clip, the 29-year-old fighter went up against Ali. She debuted the attack by stating her disinterest in speaking about her rival. Next, the fighter maintained that Ali’s entire expression was made out of jealousy.

“I’ve been come to terms that she’s jealous. Now, I got the biopic. I got the fight coming up. She act like I owe her something, it’s weird,” she shared.

As if that was not enough, Shields peeled off Ali’s comments, layer by layer, showing her fearlessness and readiness to defend herself. The boxer felt insulted by Ali for saying she was “burning bridges.” In her rebuttal, Shields maintained that she was miles ahead of her supposed mentor and didn’t need to bother about going far as she was already far.

Ultimately, she blasted the 47-year-old for not minding her business and dishing out sisterly advice. Despite the words of wisdom from Ali, Shields revealed that her former mentee was never truly supportive of her career. However, once she commented on every word regarding excesses from Ali, the younger fighter praised other mentees she deemed worthy.

Indeed, both Ali and Shields have made a mark in the boxing community through their handwork and successes. The former has set herself apart with noteworthy achievements in women’s sports, while the latter regards herself as the Greatest Women Boxer of All Times—duly earned.

#Clique, what do you think about the ongoing feud between Claressa Shields and Laila Ali? Let us know in the comments.

Our biggest stories, straight to your box.

Sign up now to get our essential daily briefs on politics' Environment, Royals and more.

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy & Cookies Statement

Related

Editors Picks