Ramla Ali won her first world title at the age of 36 after defeating Mikiah Kreps in a split decision victory in Arlington, Texas.
The victory is a crowning achievement for the Briton, who fled war-torn Somalia as a child before becoming an Olympian, activist, author and now WBO and IBF super bantamweight champion.
With her biopic about her remarkable life just released, Ali has fulfilled a dream long in the making that seemed far away when she was swept aside by Yamileth Mercado in her first attempt two years ago.
An emotional Ali fell to her knees in tears as she was confirmed the winner with scorecards reading 97-92, 96-93 and 98-91 in her favor, dedicating the victory to her late father.
“When we were in the locker room, my coach told me, because my dad passed away in May, ‘Do this for him,’” Ali said.
“That’s where those emotions came out at the end, because I did it for my dad.”
“I cannot express in words what this means to me and what this means to all of Somalia,” she added.
“I hope I’ve inspired so many young girls and boys to dream big and that’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.”
As Ali cried, Kreps was devastated, convinced she had done enough to win the competition.
Gn sports
