Somali-British boxer Ramla Ali has made history after becoming the first Somali woman to win a professional world boxing title, claiming two championship belts following a dramatic victory over previously unbeaten American Mikiah Kreps in Texas.
The 37-year-old secured the vacant World Boxing Organisation (WBO) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) super-bantamweight titles on Sunday after judges awarded her a split decision victory in their 10-round contest at the College Park Center in Arlington.
Ali entered the fight seeking to recover from her unsuccessful world title challenge in 2024, when she lost to Mexican boxer Yamileth Mercado. Her victory over Kreps marked a major turning point in her professional career, taking her record to 12 wins and two defeats.
The contest was particularly significant because Kreps had entered the ring unbeaten, boasting 11 victories and no professional losses. However, Ali handed the American the first defeat of her career after a closely contested encounter.
One of the defining moments came in the third round when Ali knocked Kreps down, recording the only knockdown of the fight.
The judges delivered differing scores, with two awarding Ali the victory at 97-92 and 96-93, while the third favoured Kreps with a score of 98-91.
The decision attracted attention because official punch statistics showed that Kreps had landed 115 punches compared with Ali’s 78. The American also recorded more power punches, although the judges ultimately awarded the contest to the Somali-British boxer.
According to BBC Sport, Ali fell to her knees in tears after the result was announced before dedicating the victory to her late father.
The achievement carries particular significance given Ali’s journey from Mogadishu to the international boxing stage.
Born in Somalia’s capital in 1989, Ali fled the country with her family during the civil war before growing up in London, where she developed her interest in boxing and eventually pursued a professional career.
Her latest achievement adds two major professional championship titles to a career through which she has continued to represent her Somali heritage on the international stage.
In 2025, Ali received Somalia’s Medal of Honour from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud during a ceremony in Mogadishu in recognition of her contribution to the country’s international sporting profile.
Her victory over Kreps now gives her two world championship belts and establishes a new milestone in Somali women’s boxing.