British-Somali boxer Ramla Ali has claimed the first world titles of her professional career at the age of 37, defeating American fighter Mikiah Kreps by split decision in Arlington, Texas. The victory on November 8 earned Ali the vacant International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Organization junior featherweight titles after a 10-round contest at College Park Center. Two judges scored the fight 97-92 and 96-93 in her favour, while the third awarded Kreps a 98-91 victory. According to Reuters and Al Jazeera , Ali secured the decisive advantage with a third-round knockdown, landing a right hook that sent her opponent to the canvas.
The result marked a major milestone in a career shaped by resilience and historic firsts. Born in Mogadishu, Somalia, Ali fled the country’s civil war with her family and grew up in London. She later became the first Somali boxer to compete at the Olympic Games, representing Somalia at Tokyo 2020, and the first Muslim woman to win an English amateur boxing title. Her professional breakthrough followed an earlier unsuccessful attempt at a world championship in 2024, when she lost to Mexico’s Yamileth Mercado in a contest for the WBC junior featherweight title. The victory over Kreps improved her professional record to 12 wins and two defeats.
Ali’s achievement has, however, attracted debate over the judges’ decision. The Guardian noted that Kreps landed 115 punches to Ali’s 78 and connected with more power punches, while outlanding her opponent in eight of the 10 rounds. The split verdict prompted criticism from boxing figures and renewed discussion about judging standards in the sport. Despite the controversy, the championship belts now belong to Ali, who dedicated the emotional victory to her father, who died in May. She also expressed hope that her journey would inspire young people in Somalia and beyond to pursue their ambitions.
