Laila Ali stepped into a professional boxing ring for the first time on October 8, 1999, at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, New York. She knocked out her opponent, April Fowler, in the opening round of the match, setting in motion an undefeated career that spanned until 2007 and earned her multiple championship titles.
Early life and personal background
Born in 1977 in Miami Beach, Florida, Laila Amaria Ali is the daughter of Muhammad Ali and Veronica Porché. Her parents divorced when she was nine years old. During her youth, she experienced a period of personal instability, including time spent in a group home. Ali worked as a manicurist at 16 and later owned a nail salon. She graduated from Santa Monica College with a business degree. Though raised as a Muslim, she eventually moved away from the faith, a shift that caused tension with her father.
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Ali began boxing at 18, inspired after viewing a bout involving Christy Martin. She announced her decision to enter the professional ranks via a television interview. Despite her father’s disapproval of her participating in a dangerous sport, she debuted in 1999. In 2001, she defeated Jacqui Frazier-Lyde in a high-profile pay-per-view match, ending the fight with a fractured collarbone. Throughout her tenure, she remained undefeated, securing victories against competitors including Suzette Taylor, Valerie Mahfood, and Christy Martin.
Championships and retirement
Over her eight-year career, Ali collected significant accolades in the super middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. She held the WBC, WIBA, IWBF, and IBA super middleweight titles, alongside the IWBF light heavyweight crown. Her final professional engagement took place on February 2, 2007, in South Africa, where she earned a first-round technical knockout victory against Gwendolyn O'Neil. Following her retirement from the sport, she transitioned into a career as a television personality.
Industry recognition
Her contributions to the sport of boxing were formally acknowledged with induction into the International Women's Boxing Hall of Fame. In 2021, she was further recognized with induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. These distinctions serve to categorize her among the prominent figures in the history of female professional boxing.
Fast facts
- Born: 1977, Miami Beach
- Professional career: 1999–2007
- International Boxing Hall of Fame induction: 2021
- Education: Santa Monica College
- Major titles held: WBC, WIBA, IWBF, and IBA
- Final professional fight: 2 February 2007
- Citizenship: United States
Questions readers ask
Did Muhammad Ali support her boxing career?
No, he initially opposed her decision to box, citing his Muslim faith and the dangerous nature of the sport.
Was Laila Ali ever defeated in a professional match?
No, she retired from professional boxing with an undefeated record.
Achievements
- International Boxing Hall of Fame
- International Women's Boxing Hall of Fame
