British-Somali boxer Ramla Ali has won her first world title, claiming the IBO and WBF junior featherweight belts in a controversial split-decision victory over American fighter Mikiah Kreps in Arlington, Texas. The 36-year-old Ali, who fled Somalia's civil war and settled in London, won the 10-round contest with scores of 97-92 and 96-93, despite being outlanded by 115 blows to 78 and losing the power shot count.
The fight, which took place on Sunday, November 8, 2026, was a nail-biting contest that saw both fighters display mutual respect. Ali and Kreps are former sparring partners, and their bout was marked by an emotional exchange after the decision was announced. An emotional Ali addressed her opponent, thanking her for pushing her to her limits.
Kreps, a 30-year-old from Niagara Falls, reciprocated Ali's emotion, expressing respect for her opponent. Despite being behind in the overall punch count, Ali had managed to put Kreps on the canvas in round three. The outcome of the fight caused controversy, with one judge scoring the bout 98-91 for Kreps and veteran promoter Lou Di Bella writing on social media that Kreps had won the fight.
Ali's journey to becoming a world champion is a remarkable one. She and her family settled in London in 1992 after fleeing Somalia during its civil war. Years later, Ali picked up the sport of boxing as a teenager in East London and went on to become the first Somali boxer to compete at the Olympic Games when she represented Somalia at Tokyo 2020.
Ali's career extends beyond the sporting arena. As a model and UNICEF ambassador, she has used her platform to project her voice and inspire others. Her life story is the subject of a new film, 'In the Shadows', starring Top Boy actor Jasmine Jobson. Ali's victory is likely to inspire young girls and boys in Somalia and around the world.
The fight was an emotional one for Ali, who lost her father earlier this year. She revealed that she stayed up all night prior to the fight, wishing he could have been there to see her in the ring. Ali boxed through her exhaustion and physical pain, ultimately securing the victory.
Ali's win marks a significant milestone in her career, and she hopes it will inspire others to dream big. As she stood in the ring, fighting back tears, Ali said that her victory was not just for her, but for Somalia and for all the young girls and boys who look up to her as a role model.
Key points
- Ramla Ali wins IBO and WBF junior featherweight belts in a controversial split-decision victory over Mikiah Kreps.
- Ali's journey to becoming a world champion was marked by her fleeing Somalia's civil war and settling in London, where she picked up the sport of boxing as a teenager.
- Ali's victory is likely to inspire young girls and boys in Somalia and around the world, and her life story is the subject of a new film, 'In the Shadows'.
