Ramla Ali Wins World Title in Texas

Ramla Ali, a 36-year-old British boxer, has achieved her dream of becoming a world champion. She defeated Mikiah Kreps in a split-decision victory in Arlington, Texas, securing the WBO and IBF super-bantamweight titles. Ali's win is a remarkable achievement, considering she fled war-torn Somalia as a child and went on to become an Olympian, activist, author, and now a world champion. Her journey to the top has been long and challenging, but Ali's determination and perseverance have paid off.

Ali's victory was emotional, as she dedicated the win to her late father, who passed away in May. After the fight, Ali fell to her knees in tears, overcome with emotion. She said her coach told her to "do this for him" in the changing room before the fight, which sparked her emotional reaction. Ali's win is not just a personal achievement but also a source of inspiration for young girls and boys in Somalia and around the world. She hopes to inspire them to dream big and pursue their goals.

The fight was a closely contested bout, with Kreps, the previously undefeated American, suffering a knockdown in the third round. Kreps was unhappy with the knockdown call, but replays showed the heavy shot caused her glove to touch the canvas. Despite the knockdown, Kreps outlanded Ali with 115 punches to 78 and secured 91 power shots to Ali's 70. However, Ali's performance was enough to secure the win, with scorecards reading 97-92, 96-93, and 98-91 in her favor.

Ali's journey to becoming a world champion has been remarkable. She settled in London as a refugee and became the first Somali boxer to represent the nation as an Olympian at Tokyo 2020. Ali also became the first Muslim woman to win an English title as an amateur. Since turning pro in late 2020, Ali has been working towards her goal of becoming a world champion. Despite facing setbacks, including a knockout loss in her ninth fight, Ali persevered and has now achieved her dream.

Ali's victory sets her up for a potential unification bout with Skye Nicolson, who kept hold of her WBC belt on the undercard. Nicolson is also signed to Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions and beat Japan's Miyo Yoshida by unanimous decision. A unification bout between Ali and Nicolson would be an intriguing matchup, with both fighters having impressive records and skills.

In the main event, Alycia Baumgardner became a two-weight world champion by claiming the IBF lightweight belt. She outclassed Elif Nur Turhan and had her post-fight victory speech interrupted by Caroline Dubois. The two fighters engaged in a heated exchange, with Dubois urging Baumgardner to commit to a unification fight. The potential bout between Dubois and Baumgardner would be a significant matchup, with both fighters being undefeated and holding world titles.

Ali's achievement is a testament to her hard work and dedication. She has overcome numerous challenges throughout her life, from fleeing Somalia as a child to becoming a world champion. Ali's victory is an inspiration to many, and she will now celebrate her achievement as she looks to the future. With two world titles secured, Ali can now set her sights on new challenges and continue to make history in the boxing world.

Key points

• Ramla Ali secured her first world title at 36, defeating Mikiah Kreps in a split-decision victory in Arlington, Texas.
• Ali dedicated her victory to her late father, who passed away in May.
• Ali's win sets her up for a potential unification bout with Skye Nicolson.