Ramla Ali cried when the result was announced. The Ali world boxing title win in Arlington, Texas, finally gave the British-Somali fighter the belt she had chased for years.
A Dream Delayed
Ali claimed the vacant WBO and IBF junior featherweight titles by split decision over American Mikiah Kreps. BBC-based reports put her age at 36. She had tried for a world title two years ago and was beaten by Yamileth Mercado. Doubters grew louder after that loss, but she did not give up.
More Than a Belt
Her path was never typical. Ali represented Somalia at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and became the first Muslim woman to win an English amateur boxing title. She is also the subject of a newly released biopic about her life.
After the fight, she spoke about what it meant for her home country. “I can’t put into words what this means to me and what this means to all of Somalia,” she said.
Why It Matters at Home
For many young Africans, and especially girls, her story sends a clear message. Women’s boxing is still growing across the continent, often with little funding. A champion with Somali roots, who has spoken openly about her background as a refugee, shows what is possible.
Ali said she hopes she has inspired “so many young girls and boys” to dream big. That is the real prize of the night. Gyms in Mogadishu, Nairobi and Lagos now have a new name to point to.
Her story is also about patience. Ali lost, regrouped and came back. In a sport that punishes mistakes, that counts for a great deal.
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