World · Singapore Bureau
British-Somali boxer Ali claims first world title at 37
Ramla Ali has become a world champion at 37, securing her maiden world title in a split-decision victory over American opponent Mikiah Kreps. The British-Somali fighter captured the vacant WBO and IBF junior featherweight belts in Arlington, Texas on Sunday.
LSN Singapore ·
Ali's triumph marks a significant milestone in a career that has seen the boxer overcome substantial obstacles to reach the professional ranks at an advanced age. The split-decision victory gives Ali control of two major sanctioning body titles in the junior featherweight division, a division that has showcased some of the sport's most competitive talent in recent years.
The bout took place in Arlington, Texas, where Ali faced Kreps in what proved to be a closely contested affair. The judges' decision to award the victory to Ali underscores the competitive nature of the matchup, with the split decision indicating differing assessments of the two fighters' performances across the rounds.
Ali's ascent to world champion status at 37 represents an unconventional path in professional boxing, where most fighters typically reach their championship potential at younger ages. Her achievement highlights the evolving landscape of women's boxing and demonstrates that elite-level competition in the sport continues to expand and provide opportunities for fighters across different career stages.
With the WBO and IBF titles now in her possession, Ali joins the ranks of world champions in one of boxing's traditional weight classes, establishing herself among the division's elite competitors.