Ramla Ali Clinches First World Title in Thrilling Split-Decision Victory
November 9: In a remarkable display of resilience and skill, British-Somali boxer Ramla Ali secured her inaugural world title at the age of 37. The victory came through a split-decision against American opponent Mikiah Kreps, allowing Ali to claim the vacant WBO and IBF junior featherweight belts on Sunday in Arlington, Texas.
Fight Overview
Despite being significantly outstruck throughout the match, with Kreps landing 115 punches to Ali’s 78 and holding an advantage in power punches (91-70), Ali showcased her determination and tactical prowess. Kreps outperformed Ali in eight out of the ten rounds, yet Ali’s pivotal performance in critical moments proved decisive.
Key Moments
Ali delivered a standout moment in the third round, knocking Kreps down with a powerful right hook. However, following this success, she was forced onto the defensive as Kreps mounted a robust counter-attack. The fight’s outcome hinged on the evaluation of the judges, with two scoring the bout in favor of Ali (97-92 and 96-93), while the third judge recorded a score of 98-91 for Kreps.
A Journey of Perseverance
Ramla Ali’s journey to this championship is a testament to her resilience. After fleeing Somalia’s civil war with her family, she settled in London as a refugee. Ali has made history as the first Somali boxer to participate in the Olympic Games, representing her country at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Additionally, she became the first Muslim woman to win an English amateur boxing title, underlining her trailblazing role in the sport.
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