Claressa Shields could have dominated within the ring Saturday night time, however it was the commentary from Khalilah Camacho-Ali that stole the highlight.

Fresh off her victory towards Lani Daniels at Little Caesars Arena on July twenty sixth, Shields remained composed as Khalilah, Muhammad Ali’s former spouse, sparked new dialog round a long-discussed fantasy matchup: Shields vs. Laila Ali. While attending the post-fight press convention, Khalilah didn’t mince phrases. “I think Laila needs to stay in the kitchen,” she stated, repeating the jab as she praised Shields with, “You the champ. You the champ.” Shields, now 17-0 with three KOs, laughed and fired again playfully, “Thank you. I am trying to whoop Laila Ali’s a**.”

The verbal change added gas to a rivalry that’s bubbled beneath the floor for years. Shields has lengthy expressed curiosity in going through Laila, and says a $15 million purse is ready in escrow. Laila, now 47 and retired since 2007 with a spotless 24-0 report and 21 knockouts, as soon as hinted she’d solely return for $15–$20 million.

In a follow-up interview with USA TODAY Sports, Khalilah doubled down with humor and shade. “Yeah, she’s a good cook. I mean, she got all kind of spices in her name,” she quipped. But she shortly pivoted, saying Laila lacks what Shields brings to the desk: “As a fighter, she’s not as good as Claressa. She doesn’t have that bulldog attitude.”

Khalilah, who’s been current at Shields’ current Detroit bouts, questioned whether or not a comeback is sensible for Laila, who’s now centered on her household and entrepreneurial ventures. “She’s too old for that, and she’s not that good,” Khalilah stated. “I think she’s a great young woman with a beautiful family. But boxing? That chapter’s closed.”