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Claressa Shields prepares for fight while Laila Ali attendance unclear

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 11, 2026, 4:33 PM

Last updated Aug 11, 2026

Claressa Shields prepares for fight while Laila Ali attendance unclear

Summary

Claressa Shields is set to face Kaye Scott for the WBC and WBA middleweight titles on August 15 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Shields’ promoter Dmitriy Salita suggested a potential blockbuster fight with Laila Ali, who resides nearby. Despite no longer being active in the ring, Ali's involvement remains uncertain, with her business partner confirming she will not attend the event. Salita highlighted the financial incentive for Ali, referencing a $15 million offer. Both fighters hold impressive records, with Ali retired at 24-0 and Shields entering her fight at 18-0.

Source Links

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Key Details

•Shields fights Kaye Scott on August 15 for women's middleweight titles.
•Salita believes a Shields vs. Ali fight could surpass Mayweather vs. McGregor.
•Ali's business partner confirmed she will not attend the upcoming fight.
•Shields holds an 18-0 record while Ali retired with 24 wins.
•A $15 million offer for Ali to fight Shields remains unfulfilled.

Latest Updates

4:33 PMYahoo Sports — Claressa Shields' fight stirs talk of Laila Ali, potential blockbuster

What they're saying

"
Claressa Shields' promoter, Dmitriy Salita, said he thinks a fight between Shields and Laila Ali would be an enormous event for women's sports.
— Yahoo Sports

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