At 37, British-Somali boxer Ramla Ali captured her first world title, beating American Mikiah Kreps by split decision in Arlington, Texas, on Sunday. The Ramla Ali world title win gave her the vacant WBO and IBF junior featherweight belts.
Two judges scored the 10-round contest 97-92 and 96-93 in Ali’s favour, while the third gave it to Kreps, 98-91. The Tribune reported the result on Monday, drawing on Reuters.
Kreps landed the better of the punching, outlanding Ali 115-78 overall and 91-70 in power punches, and winning eight of the 10 rounds on volume — but Ali knocked her down in the third round with a right hook, and spent much of the rest of the fight on the back foot as the American responded strongly.
A long road to the Ramla Ali world title
After fleeing Somalia’s civil war with her family, Ali settled in London as a refugee. She 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.
She turned professional in late 2020 and has spoken since then of her goal to become world champion. Her first attempt ended in defeat in 2023, when she was knocked out in her ninth fight by Yamileth Mercado. The win over Kreps, her longtime sparring partner, came on her second attempt at a world title.
Ali, who has a professional record of 12 wins and two defeats, with three knockouts, broke down in tears when the result was read out. She dedicated the win to her father, who died in May.
A disputed verdict, and what comes next
The decision divided opinion. Kreps landed the cleaner work for long stretches, and her promoter, Lou DiBella, publicly challenged the outcome and called for an inquiry into the scoring. The result stands, however, and Ali now holds two of the four major belts at 122 pounds.
A unification fight could follow. Skye Nicolson kept hold of the WBC belt on the same card in Arlington, and a meeting between the two would decide an undisputed champion in the division. The bout took place on the Most Valuable Promotions MVPW07 card at College Park Center.
Ali’s win will resonate far beyond Texas. As the first Muslim woman to win an English amateur title, and now a world champion at 37, she has become a visible example for Muslim girls taking up boxing, a sport where women in Pakistan are only starting to find space. Her story, from refugee child to world champion, is the kind of late-career breakthrough that speaks to readers who follow fighters from the Muslim world.
Boxing at world level has produced dramatic nights this year. Britain’s Hutchinson beat Buatsi for the WBC light-heavyweight title in a fight that also went the distance. Hutchinson beats Buatsi for WBC light-heavyweight title Pakistan’s own teams have had a strong run too, with the under-17 football side beating Sri Lanka 3-1 in the AFC qualifiers and the senior side beating Maldives 3-0 in the SAFF Championship. Pakistan U17 beat Sri Lanka 3-1 in AFC qualifiers Pakistan beat Maldives 3-0 in SAFF Championship 2026 In cricket, Pakistan closed day one of the first Test against Sri Lanka on 281-5 in Rawalpindi. Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test: 281-5 on day one
Frequently asked questions
Who did Ramla Ali beat to win the world title?
Ali beat American Mikiah Kreps by split decision over 10 rounds in Arlington, Texas. Two judges scored it 97-92 and 96-93 for Ali, while the third gave it 98-91 to Kreps.
Which belts did she win?
She won the vacant WBO and IBF junior featherweight titles, at 122 pounds. She now holds two of the four major belts in the division.
Why is the win historic?
Ali is the first Somali boxer to compete at the Olympic Games and the first Muslim woman to win an English amateur boxing title. She won her first world titles at 37, on her second attempt, after losing her first title fight in 2023.
Was the decision controversial?
Yes. Kreps landed more punches overall, 115 to 78, and more power punches, 91 to 70. Her promoter, Lou DiBella, publicly challenged the outcome and called for an inquiry into the scoring.
What could come next for Ramla Ali?
A unification bout with WBC holder Skye Nicolson, who kept her belt on the same card in Arlington. A win there would make Ali the undisputed champion in the division.
