Laila Ali Elects NOT To Fight Claressa Shields

 Laila Ali, he undisputed queen of women's combat sports, has officially declined a highly anticipated bout against undefeated heavyweight champ Claressa "The T-Rex" Shields. AT 48 years old, Laila is prioritizing her storied legacy over a potential pay-per-view spectacle.

Many fans on social media are saying things like Laila is "scared" and her reason for not fighting is a "cope-out." Others are saying the move is actually smart, and a 48-year-old boxer who hasn't been in the ring in over a decade should not rush to get back into the ring. 

Laila is right, this fight would be a spectacle, but it would have also helped women's combat sports for the future. This fight would have been such a spectacle, and it would have demanded an unforeseen purse for a women's boxing match. I beleive this fight could have changed economy for women combat sports forever.