The short version
- Ramla Ali defeated Mikiah Kreps via split decision to become the WBO and IBF super-bantamweight champion.
- Ali dedicated the win to her late father, citing his memory as crucial motivation during moments of extreme fatigue in the ring.
- Alycia Baumgardner captured the IBF lightweight belt, prompting Caroline Dubois to demand a unification bout from ringside.
Ramla Ali secured her first world championship on Saturday night in Arlington, Texas, defeating Mikiah Kreps by split decision to claim the WBO and IBF super-bantamweight titles. The victory marks a significant milestone for the 36-year-old British boxer, who has navigated a complex path from fleeing war-torn Somalia as a child to becoming an Olympian, activist, and now a two-division world champion. The win fulfills a long-held ambition that appeared distant after her initial title attempt ended in defeat against Yamileth Mercado two years prior.
The bout was characterized by contrasting styles and shifting momentum. Kreps, previously undefeated, landed more total punches than Ali, with statistics showing she threw 115 strikes compared to Ali’s 78. Kreps also recorded more power shots, leading one judge to score the fight decisively in her favor with a 98-91 card. However, Ali secured a critical knockdown in the third round with a left hook that sent Kreps to the canvas. Although Kreps contested the call, replays indicated her glove touched the mat as she attempted to regain balance, validating the referee’s decision.
Despite the knockdown advantage, Ali faced significant challenges in the latter half of the contest. Kreps applied relentless pressure, outlanding Ali in volume and threatening to turn the tide. Ali described every round as a mental struggle, admitting she repeatedly told her corner that she was too exhausted to continue. Her coach consistently reminded her to fight for her late father, who passed away in May, a sentiment that Ali credited with sustaining her through the physical toll of the match.
The emotional weight of the victory was evident when the scorecards were read: 97-92, 96-93, and 98-91 in Ali’s favor. She fell to her knees in tears upon hearing the result, dedicating the achievement to her father and expressing hope that her journey would inspire young people across Somalia and beyond. The win arrives as a biopic detailing her life story has just been released, highlighting her transition from refugee status in London to becoming the first Somali boxer to compete at the Olympics and the first Muslim woman to win an English amateur title.
Ali’s professional career has not been without setbacks. After turning pro in late 2020, she faced skepticism following a knockout loss in her ninth fight in 2023, which derailed her early championship credentials. Critics questioned whether she should continue boxing given her diverse profile as a model and founder of the Sisters Club non-profit organization. This victory silences those doubts, proving her resilience and competitive viability at the highest level of the sport.
Looking ahead, Ali’s acquisition of two belts positions her for potential unification bouts. Skye Nicolson, who retained her WBC belt on the same undercard by defeating Miyo Yoshida, presents a logical next opponent. Both fighters are signed to Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, facilitating possible negotiations. However, Ali indicated she intends to focus on celebrating this achievement before considering future matchups.
In other notable action from the Texas event, Alycia Baumgardner captured the IBF lightweight title by outclassing Elif Nur Turhan. The 32-year-old American became a two-weight world champion with the win, adding to her undisputed status at super-featherweight. Her post-fight celebration was interrupted by British champion Caroline Dubois, who approached ringside to demand a unification fight.
Dubois, unbeaten in 15 bouts, insisted that a contest between her and Baumgardner would define the next great rivalry in boxing. Baumgardner, however, stated she needed to defeat WBA belt holder Stephanie Han in February before committing to a bout with Dubois. The exchange highlighted the growing complexity of the lightweight division, where multiple champions hold different organizational belts, creating a tangled web of potential matchups and negotiations.
The contrasting outcomes for Ali and Baumgardner underscore the current state of women’s boxing, where historical barriers are being broken but competitive landscapes remain fragmented. Ali’s journey from refugee to champion offers a narrative of personal triumph against odds, while Baumgardner’s dominance raises questions about the path to undisputed status. Both fighters have positioned themselves at the center of their respective divisions, setting the stage for high-stakes negotiations in the coming months.
As the boxing world processes these results, the focus shifts to how promoters and sanctioning bodies will manage the unification process. For Ali, the victory validates years of perseverance and advocacy. For Baumgardner and Dubois, the immediate future involves navigating contractual obligations and scheduling conflicts. The Texas event served as a catalyst for new storylines, blending personal redemption with professional ambition in a sport increasingly defined by its diverse roster of champions.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗Ali weeps as world title dream realised in Texas
