Somali boxer Ramla Ali has made history after defeating American fighter Mikiah Kreps to claim two international boxing titles, becoming the first Somali woman to win a world boxing championship.
The 10-round bout took place in Arlington, Texas, in the United States, where Ali secured victory through a split decision. Two judges scored the fight in her favour, while the third awarded the win to Kreps.
Ali knocked down the American boxer in the third round with a powerful punch. However, Kreps recovered and appeared to control much of the remaining rounds.
Despite the divided judges’ decision, Ali secured both the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) titles in the Junior Featherweight division.
Ali has previously made history in international sports. She became the first boxer to represent Somalia at the Olympic Games when she competed at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. She also became the first Muslim woman to win an English amateur boxing title.
Following her latest victory, Ali dedicated the achievement to her late father, who passed away in May this year. She said the win held great significance for Somalia and expressed hope that her success would inspire Somali girls and boys aspiring to achieve at the highest levels of sport.
Her victory marks a new milestone in Somalia’s boxing history, adding her name to the list of world boxing champions.
