Ramla Ali Claims First World Boxing Titles in Controversial Texas Victory
British-Somali boxer Ramla Ali secures WBO and IBF titles after defeating Mikiah Kreps.
1Historic World Title Win
At 36, Ramla Ali secured her first world titles by defeating Mikiah Kreps in Arlington, Texas. The British-Somali fighter claimed the vacant WBO and IBF super-bantamweight belts via a split-decision victory. This achievement marks a career milestone for the Olympian, who previously faced a setback in her first world title attempt.
2Controversial Scoring Outcome
The decision sparked debate as official statistics showed Mikiah Kreps outlanding Ali with 115 punches to 78. While one judge scored the bout 98-91 for Kreps, the others favored Ali with 97-92 and 96-93 cards. Promoter Lou Di Bella publicly criticized the result, claiming the American fighter clearly dominated the contest.
3Crucial Third-Round Knockdown
A pivotal moment occurred in the third round when Ali landed a heavy left hook. The shot forced Kreps to touch the canvas with her glove, resulting in a 10-8 round for Ali. Although Kreps disputed the knockdown call, replays confirmed the impact caused her to lose balance during the exchange.
4Emotional Personal Motivation
Ali dedicated the victory to her father, who passed away in May. Throughout the 10-round fight, she struggled with extreme physical exhaustion, repeatedly telling her coach she could not continue. Her coach urged her to fight for her late father, providing the mental strength needed to finish the grueling match.
5Refugee to Global Icon
Ali’s life story, which includes fleeing civil war in Somalia as a child, is the subject of a new biopic. Beyond boxing, she is a model and activist who became the first Somali Olympian in the sport at Tokyo 2020. She remains a prominent voice for young girls and aspiring athletes.
6Future Unification Prospects
Following her victory, Ali may pursue a unification bout against Skye Nicolson. Nicolson, who successfully defended her WBC belt on the same Arlington undercard, has expressed interest in a three-belt unification fight. Both fighters are currently positioned as top contenders within the competitive super-bantamweight division for the coming year.
7Main Event Developments
The event featured Alycia Baumgardner, who defeated Elif Nur Turhan to become a two-weight world champion. During her post-fight speech, Baumgardner was interrupted by Caroline Dubois, who challenged her to a future bout. Baumgardner stated she must first face Stephanie Han before committing to a rivalry with the undefeated Dubois.
8Legacy and Impact
Ali’s journey from an East London refugee to a world champion reflects her multi-dimensional career. Despite past doubts regarding her professional longevity, she has now secured major titles. Her success serves as a symbol of inspiration for Somalia, proving that long-held dreams can be realized through perseverance and intense dedication.