Press Release: Laila Ali Dodges the Bullet – Again! – 2004

RPM Press Release-June 21, 2004

Waco, TX (June 21, 2004) Laila Ali announced today that she would be fighting on the up-coming Mike Tyson undercard July 30th in Kentucky, to be televised on Showtime. Apparently, it was also reported that Ali is “looking” for an opponent. Well, Ann Wolfe is right in front of her.

Wolfe’s management, RPM Boxing president, Brian Pardo, said, “once again Laila ‘Ali’ McClain has ignored the obvious opponent for this fight”. Being billed as the “big name undercard star” Laila Ali appears to be missing the best chance to make the biggest fight in women’s boxing a reality.

“Unfortunately, Ali has again chosen herself interest over the sport and over her own dignity.   Now that Ann Wolfe is the IBA Light Heavyweight champ, as well as holding world titles in three other weight classes, it would seem  that Laila would be anxious to prove she is a winner.   Instead, she is proving she is a coward.    She is not worthy of the legacy her father inadvertently bestowed upon her.”  Pardo said. “A name is only a name, a championship has to be earned. Sooner or later, the milk run will run dry for Laila McClain.”