Ramla Ali Wins WBO, IBF Super-Bantamweight Titles In Texas

Ramla Ali won her first world titles at age 36, defeating Mikiah Kreps by split decision to become the WBO and IBF super-bantamweight champion.

The Briton, who fled war-torn Somalia as a child and later became the first boxer from Somalia to compete at the Olympics, added a world championship to a career that has also included activism and authorship. Her biopic has recently been released.

Ali had previously fallen short in a title attempt against Yamileth Mercado two years ago, but she fulfilled her long-held ambition with the victory over Kreps. The scorecards read 97-92, 96-93 and 98-91 in Ali’s favor.

Ali dropped to her knees in tears when the result was announced. She dedicated the win to her late father, who died in May, saying her coach had reminded her in the dressing room to win the fight for him. She said the victory meant a great deal to her and to Somalia, and that she hoped it would inspire young girls and boys to dream big.

Kreps, who had been unbeaten, was left devastated and believed she had done enough to win. She suffered a third-round knockdown after walking onto a left hook from Ali. Kreps disputed the call, but replays showed the force of the punch caused her glove to touch the canvas as she tried to steady herself.

Although Ali secured a 10-8 round, she was unable to build on the moment as Kreps applied constant pressure and came back strongly. Kreps outlanded Ali 115 punches to 78 and landed 91 power shots to Ali’s 70, while one judge scored the fight 98-91 for Ali.

Ali said every round became a mental struggle and that she repeatedly told her corner she was exhausted. She said her coach urged her to think of her father, and that the reminder helped push her through a draining performance.