Although Muhammad Ali passed away in June 2016, his presence still looms large over the sport of boxing, symbolizing the pinnacle of greatness. Yet Ali’s legacy extends far beyond the ring, embodied in the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville. Founded in 2005 by Ali and his wife, Lonnie, the center continues to promote his values. This year, the foundation is participating in the 2025 Give for Good Louisville fundraiser.
It’s a major community-wide initiative that brings together nonprofits, donors, and businesses across Kentucky and southern Indiana to champion local causes. Since its launch in 2014, the campaign has generated more than $80 million for organizations making a difference. Adding her voice to the effort, Laila Ali, Muhammad Ali’s daughter, has called on fans and supporters to contribute before the fundraiser draws to a close.
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Laila Ali punches for a cause
Earlier today, women’s boxing legend Laila Ali took to Instagram to rally support for the Give for Good Louisville fundraiser. The 47-year-old shared a video of herself working out, captioned: “Gettin’ in my basic warm up before I lift weights! Give For Good fundraiser is officially closing at 1 PM EST TODAY, Please visit GiveForGoodLouisville.org to donate whatever you can!”
In the clip, Ali can be seen punching a heavy bag before pausing to deliver a message to her followers. “So I still get inspired by my own father, and I want to make sure that generations and generations behind me do as well,” Ali said. “Have you ever been to the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville? If you haven’t, then you should definitely go. I want to make sure that you’re aware of the Give for Good fundraiser that’s going on.”
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Emphasizing the urgency, Ali added, “I need as many of you as you can to donate. The Ali Center’s goal was to raise $150,000 in 24 hours, and the window is about to close.” While her focus remains on charitable efforts, Ali recently made headlines for nearly lacing up the gloves again—teasing fans with the possibility of a return to the ring.
Where does the Ali vs. Claressa Shields fight stand?
The potential clash between Claressa Shields and Laila Ali remains in limbo. Weeks after Shields claimed Ali had turned down the fight, Ali’s camp offered a different perspective. “Laila and her representatives have told us no,” Shields told TMZ. “…I’m not upset. I wouldn’t fight me either. You know what I’m saying? I understand that she’s scared.”
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Shields maintains she secured the $15 million Ali allegedly requested, but is ready to move on. “So, you know, congrats to her… but I’m moving on with my career again,” she said. But Amber Noble, Ali’s business partner, told USA TODAY Sports that wasn’t the case. “I can tell you with absolute 100% certainty, Laila did not decline. Laila did not reject or say she wasn’t going to fight her. What she said is, ‘I call the shots over here for myself.’”
Laila Ali’s support for the Louisville Muhammad Ali Center is a strong way to honor her father’s legacy. With Ali’s global influence, the $150K goal seems within reach. But what do you think about it?