Clarissa Shields (Photo by Tracey Biel/Variety via Getty Images)Variety via Getty ImagesClaressa Shields and Laila Ali, womens boxing pioneer and the daughter of Muhammad Ali, used to be close. Things have changed, and Shields discussed the situation with fellow Olympic gold medalist and boxing great Andre Ward on his Art of Ward podcast.Shields said the issues between her and Ali arent damaged beyond repair, but admits things were said and done that need to be hashed out. The beef between Shields and Ali was at its peak in 2020, but it never materialized into a fight. Shields revealed that the money Ali wanted was offered, but the latter didnt get clearance to fight.While Shields never fought Ali when their rivalry was at a fever pitch, she still believes they could create the biggest fight in womens boxing history. Ward asked Shields why the rumored fight between her and Ali didnt happen.Me fighting her right now is still the biggest fight in womens boxing, Shields told Ward. Right now. You got all the Amanda Serranos and Katie Taylors, but Claressa Shields vs. Laila Alieven in an exhibitionis still the biggest fight in the world for womens boxing. So why would I turn that down?Laila Ali (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)Getty ImagesMORE FOR YOUHere is a look at the entire interview, which I encourage you to watch. Ward has become arguably the best interviewer in the combat sports space, and hes just getting started.Ali is now 46, and coming out of retirement seems less likely, but its tough to say never in a world where tons of cash is being offered for fights between active fighters and legends.Jake Paul just fought a 58-year-old Mike Tyson on Netflix, and it produced the most-viewed boxing event in history. Shields-Ali wouldnt do those kinds of numbers, but there is some merit to it potentially being the biggest fight in womens boxing history.Serrano-Taylor II was on the undercard of Paul-Tyson, and while it was the best fight of the event, the massive viewership it garnered was because of the main event. Shields-Ali is likely a main event if it happens in the United States.ARLINGTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 15: (L-R) Jake Paul and Mike Tyson fight during LIVE On Netflix: Jake ... [+] Paul vs. Mike Tyson at AT&T Stadium on November 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images for Netflix 2024)Getty Images for Netflix 2024Perhaps a good landing spot for the fight could be on the same card as Logan Paul vs. Conor McGregor, if that rumored exhibition match comes to fruition in India. A card with Paul-McGregor and Shields-Ali is going to draw attention, and most importantly for the fighters involved, there will be massive paydays for all four.As far as the beef is concerned, it would be great to see Shields and Ali bury the hatchet. Both women have meant so much to womens boxing, and they have represented themselves and the sport well.Shields, 29, is moving into another stage of her career. Shes looking to become the undisputed heavyweight champion, which would make her a four-division undisputed champion in the sport. Thats something that has never been done before.With Shields biopic, The Fire Inside, hitting theaters on Christmas Day and her continued pursuit of greatness in boxing, shes arguably in her prime as a professional.According to Shields, she wants to retire at 38.Before that, Shields told Ward she has plans to move back down to 154 pounds to pursue a few big-money fights. On February 2, Shields faces Danielle Perkins in a defense of her WBC heavyweight title.