Laila Ali

Laila Amaria Ali (born December 30, 1977) is an American television personality and former professional boxer who competed from 1999 to 2007. She is the daughter of Muhammad Ali and is the eighth of her father's nine children.[2] During her career, from which she retired undefeated, she held the WBC, WIBA, IWBF and IBA female super middleweight titles, and the IWBF light heavyweight title.

Laila Ali
Laila Ali in 2017
Statistics
Real nameLaila Amaria Ali
Nickname(s)She Bee Stingin'[1]
Madame Butterfly
Pretty Baby
Weight(s)Super middleweight
Light heavyweight
Height5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Reach70.5 in (179 cm)[1]
NationalityAmerican
Born (1977-12-30) December 30, 1977
Miami Beach, Florida, U.S.
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights24
Wins24
Wins by KO21
Losses0

Early life

Laila Amaria Ali was born December 30, 1977, in Miami Beach, Florida, the daughter of boxer Muhammad Ali and his third wife, Veronica Porché Ali.[3] Ali was a manicurist at age 16. She graduated from California's Santa Monica College with a business degree.[4] She owned her own nail salon before she began boxing.[5][6]

Boxing career

Ali began boxing when she was 18 years old, after having first noticed women's boxing when watching a Christy Martin fight.[7][8] She first publicized her decision to become a professional boxer in a Good Morning America interview with Diane Sawyer.[9] When she first told her father, Muhammad Ali that she was planning to box professionally, he was unhappy about her entering such a dangerous profession.[10]

In her first match, on October 8, 1999, the 5'10", 166 lbs, 21-year-old Ali boxed April Fowler of Michigan City, Indiana. They fought at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino on the Oneida Indian Nation in Verona, New York. Although this was Ali's first match, many journalists and fans attended, largely because she was Muhammad Ali's daughter. Attention to Ali's ring debut was further boosted because it occurred on the eve of what was supposed to be the first male-female professional bout ever to be sanctioned by a US state boxing commission ... later ruled an exhibition. As WomenBoxing.com explains: "The near-alignment of the two events focused more attention on female professional boxing than there had been since Christy Martin's 1996 pay-per-view fight with Deirdre Gogarty." Ali knocked out Fowler – described by WomenBoxing.com as an "out-of-shape novice" – in the first round.[2]

Ali also won her second match by a TKO with only 3 seconds left on the clock. In that match her opponent was 5'4" Shadina Pennybaker, from Pittsburgh, who was making a pro debut after earning a 2–1 record as an amateur. They fought at the Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort in Chester, West Virginia.[2]

Ali captured nine wins in a row and many boxing fans expressed a desire to see her square off in a boxing ring with George Foreman's daughter, Freeda Foreman or Joe Frazier's daughter, Jacqui Frazier-Lyde. On the evening of June 8, 2001, Ali and Frazier finally met. The fight was nicknamed Ali/Frazier IV in allusion to their fathers' famous fight trilogy. Ali won by a majority judges' decision in eight rounds (79–73, 77–75, 76–76). Frazier-Lyde ended the fight with a swollen eye while Ali had a fractured left collarbone and a bloodied nose. This match by Ali and Frazier was the first main-event pay-per-view match between two women.

Ali modeling at the 2011 Heart Truth fashion show

After a year's hiatus, on June 7, 2002, Ali beat Shirvelle Williams in a six-round decision.[11]

She won the IBA title with a second-round knockout of Suzette Taylor on August 17, 2002, in Las Vegas.[12]

On November 8, she retained that title and unified the crown by adding the WIBA and IWBF belts with an eight-round TKO win over her division's other world champion, Valerie Mahfood, in Las Vegas. Ali stopped a bloodied Mahfood in eight rounds.[13]

On June 21, 2003, Mahfood and Ali fought a rematch, this time in Los Angeles. Once again bloodied by Ali, Mahfood lost by TKO in six rounds while trying to recover her world title. Nevertheless, Ali suffered a bad cut on her right eyelid for the first time in her career, inflicted by Mahfood. Ali also suffered a bloodied nose for the second time in her career during this fight, the first being in Ali's fight with Frazier-Lyde two years previously.[14]

On August 23, 2003, Ali fought her original inspiration, Christy Martin, beating Martin by a knockout in four rounds.[15]

On July 17, 2004, Ali retained her world title, knocking out Nikki Eplion in four rounds.[16]

On July 30, 2004, she stopped Monica Nunez in nine rounds, in her father's native city of Louisville, Kentucky. This fight was part of the undercard for the fight in which Mike Tyson was surprisingly knocked out by fringe contender Danny Williams.[17]

On September 24, 2004, Ali added the IWBF Light Heavyweight title to her resume by beating Gwendolyn O'Neil (whom she had earlier canceled a fight against) by a knockout in three rounds, at Atlanta, Georgia.[18]

On February 1, 2005, in Atlanta, Ali scored a commanding and decisive eighth-round technical knockout over Cassandra Geiggar in a ten-round fight.[19]

On June 11, 2005, on the undercard to the Tyson-Kevin McBride fight, Ali defeated Erin Toughill in round three to remain undefeated and won the World Boxing Council title in addition to defending her WIBA crown.[20] She was the second woman to win a WBC title (Jackie Nava was the first).[21] Toughill and Ali disliked each other, and prior to the fight Toughill joked about Ali. Ali promised she would punish Toughill, much like her father did with Ernie Terrell back in 1967.[20]

On December 17, 2005, in Berlin, Ali fought and defeated Åsa Sandell by TKO in the fifth round. Following Ali's hard right to Sandell's face with 17 seconds remaining in Round 5, Sandell was struck by numerous undefended shots to her head. The referee stopped the bout with 12 seconds remaining. Muhammad Ali was in attendance and kissed his daughter.[22]

While a guest on Quite Frankly with Stephen A. Smith on June 7, 2006, Ali announced that she would be making a world tour, and said that she was looking forward to fighting Ann Wolfe in October 2006.[8] However, the fight with Wolfe never materialized. Instead, on November 11, 2006, Ali fought and defeated Shelley Burton by TKO in the fourth round.[23] Ali was rescheduled to fight O'Neil in Cape Town, on August 5, 2006, but Ali pulled out amid allegations of fraud.[24] The match eventually took place in South Africa on February 2, 2007.[25] Ali defeated O'Neil in the first-round by technical knockout.[26] It was Ali's last professional fight.

Boxing record
24 Wins (21 knockouts, 3 decisions), 0 Losses (0 decisions, 0 retirement), 0 Draws
Result Record Opponent Type Rd, Time Date Location Notes
Win 24–0–0 Gwendolyn O'Neil TKO 1 2007-02-03 Kempton Park, South Africa
Win 23–0–0 Shelley Burton TKO 4 2006-11-11 New York, New York
Win 22–0–0 Åsa Sandell TKO 5 2005-12-17 Berlin, Germany
Win 21–0–0 Erin Toughill TKO 3 2005-06-11 Washington, D.C. WIBA & WBC Super Middleweight titles
Win 20–0–0 Cassandra Geiggar TKO 8 2005-02-11 Atlanta, Georgia
Win 19–0–0 Gwendolyn O'Neil KO 3 2004-09-24 Atlanta, Georgia IWBF Light Heavyweight title
Win 18–0–0 Monica Nunez TKO 9 2004-07-30 Louisville, Kentucky
Win 17–0–0 Nikki Eplion TKO 4 2004-07-17 Bowie, Maryland
Win 16–0–0 Christy Martin KO 4 2003-08-23 Biloxi, Mississippi
Win 15–0–0 Valerie Mahfood TKO 6 2003-06-21 Los Angeles, California
Win 14–0–0 Mary Ann Almager TKO 4 2003-02-14 Louisville, Kentucky
Win 13–0–0 Valerie Mahfood TKO 8 2002-11-08 Las Vegas, Nevada WIBA, IWBF & IBA title Super Middleweight titles
Win 12–0–0 Suzette Taylor TKO 2 2002-08-17 Las Vegas, Nevada IBA Super Middleweight title
Win 11–0–0 Shirvelle Williams UD 6 2002-06-07 Southaven, Mississippi
Win 10–0–0 Jacqui Frazier-Lyde MD 8 2001-06-08 Verona, New York First Pay Per View boxing card ever to be headlined by women
Win 9–0–0 Christine Robinson TKO 5 2001-03-02 Verona, New York
Win 8–0–0 Kendra Lenhart UD 6 2000-10-20 Auburn Hills, Michigan
Win 7–0–0 Marjorie Jones TKO 1 2000-06-15 Universal City, California
Win 6–0–0 Kristina King TKO 4 2000-04-02 Guangzhou, China
Win 5–0–0 Karen Bill TKO 3 2000-04-08 Detroit, Michigan Ali hit the canvas for the first time in her career
Win 4–0–0 Crystal Arcand KO 1 2000-03-07 Windsor, Canada
Win 3–0–0 Nicolyn Armstrong TKO 2 1999-12-10 Detroit, Michigan
Win 2–0–0 Shadina Pennybaker TKO 4 1999-11-10 Chester, West Virginia
Win 1–0–0 April Fowler KO 1 1999-10-08 Verona, New York Ali's pro debut

Championships and accomplishments
  • 2012: AOCA Awakening Outstanding Contribution Award[27]
  • 2005/2007: WBC World Super Middleweight title (two defenses)[1]
  • 2002/2007: WIBA World Super Middleweight title (five defenses)[1]
  • 2004: IWBF Female Light Heavyweight title[1]
  • 2002/2004: IWBF Female Super Middleweight title (two defenses)[1]
  • 2002/2004: IBA Female Super Middleweight title (four defenses)[1]

Criticism

Other top women's boxing champions such as Ann Wolfe (24–1)[28] have claimed in interviews that they have challenged Ali unofficially, but Ali found ways of avoiding them. Fringe boxing writers have expressed disappointment in Ali's perceived avoidance of some contenders.[29][30][31][32] However, Ali has contended that other boxers want unrealistic amounts of money and "play themselves right out of the deal" during negotiations intentionally because their names will have no value after they have fought Ali.[33]

Television

In 2000, Ali played herself in an episode of The Jersey called "Bat Girl"[34] in which Morgan Hudson (played by Courtnee Draper) turns to her in order to get a little more of a perspective as she learns the true meaning of girl power.

In 2001, She appeared as herself on the show One on One.

In early 2002, Ali appeared in a boxing role for the music video "Deny" by Canadian hard rock band Default.[35] The video gained airplay on music channels including MTV2 and MMUSA.

In 2004, Ali appeared on the George Lopez show, where she owned a gym,[36] as well as on Real Husbands of Hollywood.[37]

In mid-2007, Ali was a participant in season four of the American version of the television show Dancing with the Stars;[38] she had no previous dancing experience. She and her professional dancing partner, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, were widely praised by the judges, receiving the first "10" from judge Len Goodman for their rumba. They came in third place in the competition, losing to Apolo Anton Ohno (with Julianne Hough) and Joey Fatone (with Kym Johnson).[39]

Ali hosted the revival of American Gladiators alongside Hulk Hogan. The show premiered in January 2008.[40]

Ali and the cast of American Gladiators appeared on the NBC show Celebrity Family Feud (Roker) in an episode that aired on July 8, 2008.[41]

Ali joined the CBS team as a contributing correspondent on The Early Show with her first appearance in early January 2008.[42]

She hosted The N's Student Body, a reality show on The N.[43]

Ali also appeared in a 2007 episode of Yo Gabba Gabba!, titled "Train", in a brief dance number, and on Love That Girl, episode 3.4, "Fighting Shape".[44]

In 2012, Ali was picked to co-host Everyday Health with Ethan Zohn and Jenna Morasca. The show aired on ABC Saturday mornings and profiled everyday people living with health issues, who aspired to not let their issues keep them from helping others or doing extraordinary things.[45]

Also in 2012, Ali appeared in a Kohl's commercial with a tag line, "I box to win; I shop to win.".[46]

Ali was a contestant on the NBC celebrity reality competition series called Stars Earn Stripes from August 2012 to September 2012.[47]

On February 4, 2013, Ali appeared on the NBC reality series, The Biggest Loser in the episode "Lead By Example". In the episode, she boxed alongside Dolvett Quince's team, consisting of Jackson Carter, Joe Ostaszewski and Francelina Morillo.

In March 2013, Ali started appearing as a co-host on multiple episodes of the E! talk show series Fashion Police filling in for Giuliana Rancic ,who was on maternity leave. In May 2013, Ali once again filled in for Rancic, who had other commitments and was unable attend the show.

In May 2014, Ali participated in an episode of Celebrity Wife Swap. She swapped places with singer Angie Stone and tried to instill healthier habits on the family.

In April 2013, Ali participated in two episodes of Chopped: All Stars, making it to the final round, competing for a favorite charity.[48]

In September 2013, Ali began hosting All In with Laila Ali, a new show in the CBS Saturday morning lineup "CBS Dream Team". The following year, she began hosting Late Night Chef Fight on the cable network FYI. In 2014, she appeared in the film Falcon Rising.

She was a participant of The New Celebrity Apprentice (also known as The Apprentice 15 and The Celebrity Apprentice 8) but terminated after 11th task.[49]

In 2019, Ali participated in the second season of The Masked Singer as the "Panda". She was eliminated at the end of her episode.

Personal life

In 2002, Ali wrote (with co-author David Ritz) the book Reach! Finding Strength, Spirit, and Personal Power,[50] meant to motivate and inspire young people. In this book, she confides that she felt isolated at times because of her parents' fame. Ali has also spent some time in jail, and describes her arrests and the physical abuse she experienced in jail. Critics say that Ali's book has a good foundation but she does not give the readers advice; rather, she just talks about her own experiences.[51]

Ali married Johnny "Yahya" McClain on August 27, 2000. She met McClain through her sister Hana at her father's 57th birthday party. McClain became Ali's manager and helped guide her career. In late 2005, Ali and McClain divorced and McClain quit managing Ali.[52]

On July 23, 2007, Ali married former NFL player Curtis Conway in Los Angeles. They have two children together: a son born in August 2008,[53] and a daughter born in April 2011.[54][55] Ali is the stepmother of Conway's three children: twin sons Cameron and Kelton (born 1995) and daughter Leilani (born 1999).[56]

Professional wrestling legend Hulk Hogan credits Ali with saving his life by telephoning him when he was depressed and suicidal.[57]

Ali is the sister-in-law of professional mixed martial artist Kevin Casey, who is married to her sister Hana.[58]

In 2007, Ali retired from professional boxing.

Bibliography
  • Ali, Laila; Ritz, David (2002). Reach!: Finding Strength, Spirit, and Personal Power. Hyperion. ISBN 0786868554.

See also

References
  1. "Laila Ali Awakening Profile". Awakeningfighters.com. Archived from the original on March 2, 2016. Retrieved February 17, 2016.
  2. "Laila Ali Biography". Women's Boxing. Archived from the original on June 12, 2012. Retrieved November 22, 2012.
  3. "Laila Ali Biography: Athlete, Boxer, Television Personality (1977–)". Biography.com (FYI / A&E Networks)la. Archived from the original on August 8, 2015. Retrieved August 16, 2015.
  4. "Orlando Shopping & Deals | Frugal Force - Orlando Sentinel". Blogs.orlandosentinel.com. March 3, 2015. Archived from the original on June 14, 2012. Retrieved March 27, 2015.
  5. "Laila Ali on Boxing and Beauty". Fitnessmagazine.com. Archived from the original on April 3, 2015. Retrieved March 27, 2015.
  6. "KNOCKOUT: Boxing Champ Laila Ali Talks Beauty". Hairshow.us. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 27, 2015.
  7. Sachs, Mark (August 3, 2006). "My Favorite Weekend: Laila Ali; For her, nothing beats laying low". Los Angeles Times.
  8. "Episode 119". Quite Frankly with Stephen A. Smith. June 14, 2006. ESPN2.
  9. Cortez, Ion (March 29, 2012). "Sexy Female Boxers: They Will Knock You Down". amog.com. Archived from the original on August 8, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  10. "My Father the Greatest of All Time". Fatherly. Archived from the original on August 16, 2017. Retrieved August 15, 2017.
  11. Feour, Royce (August 17, 2002). "Laila Ali motivated by father". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
  12. "Full Mike Tyson-Danny Williams Fight Card". eastsideboxing.com. July 23, 2004. Archived from the original on August 25, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  13. Bennett, Amy Beth (November 8, 2002). "Laila Ali takes two more title belts". usatoday. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  14. Lewis, Mike (August 17, 2003). "Boxing: Ali's chance to knock out the critics". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on January 25, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  15. Borges, Ron (August 25, 2013). "Ali stands tall against Martin". boston.com. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  16. "Eplion falls in four". ESPN.com. Associated Press. July 18, 2004. Archived from the original on December 20, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  17. "Laila Ali vs. Monica Nunez Added To Tyson-Williams Fight Card". eastsideboxing.com. July 22, 2004. Archived from the original on August 25, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  18. "Laila Ali and Leticia Robinson win". eastsideboxing.com. September 25, 2004. Archived from the original on December 19, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  19. "Laila and Layla: Risk and Glory". eastsideboxing.com. February 13, 2005. Archived from the original on August 25, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  20. "Ali wins first WBC title". smh.com.au. Associated Press. June 12, 2005. Archived from the original on April 13, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  21. Gil, Rafael Soto (January 27, 2012). "Interview: Jackie Nava". fightnews.com. Archived from the original on December 19, 2013. Retrieved August 26, 2013.
  22. "Women's Boxing - Laila Ali". Archived from the original on October 23, 2012. Retrieved June 16, 2017.
  23. "Ali stops Burton in four rounds with father looking on". espn.com. Associated Press. November 12, 2006. Archived from the original on December 20, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  24. Carroll, Rory (July 26, 2006). "Fraud claims over failed 'Rumble in Jungle'". The Guardian. Archived from the original on August 30, 2013. Retrieved August 26, 2013.
  25. "'She Bee' flies in but stung by lack of fanfare". January 24, 2007. Archived from the original on December 19, 2013. Retrieved August 26, 2013.
  26. "Ali drops O'Neil early in first round, defends titles". espn.com. Associated Press. February 3, 2007. Archived from the original on December 20, 2013. Retrieved August 26, 2013.
  27. "Awakening Outstanding Contribution Award". Awakeningfighters.com. Archived from the original on February 21, 2016. Retrieved February 17, 2016.
  28. "Leatitia Robinson Boxing Record". boxrec.com. Archived from the original on October 10, 2015. Retrieved August 26, 2013.
  29. "Anne Wolfe Interview: "Ali's legacy didn't live on through his daughter!"". Eastsideboxing.com. March 14, 2007. Archived from the original on October 30, 2008. Retrieved March 27, 2015.
  30. "Is Laila Ali Running Scared From Ann Wolfe? You Decide!". Eastsideboxing.com. Archived from the original on April 18, 2012. Retrieved March 27, 2015.
  31. "Women's Boxing: Ann Wolfe Biography". Wban.org. Archived from the original on May 7, 2015. Retrieved March 27, 2015.
  32. Archived July 20, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  33. "Laila Ali is fed up with rumors and lies surrounding the delay of Ali Vs Wolfe Bout". eastsideboxing.com. August 31, 2006. Archived from the original on December 19, 2013. Retrieved August 26, 2013.
  34. "The Jersey Season 1 Bat Girl". Retrieved August 21, 2018.
  35. Weiss, Neal Default Gets Inside The Head Of Muhammad Ali's Daughter Yahoo! Music (April 7, 2002). Retrieved on 3–24–10.
  36. "BOXER LAILA ALI GUESTS AS CLUB OWNER TONIGHT". Akron Beacon Journal. March 26, 2004.
  37. "Former Boxer Laila Ali To Make A Guest Appearance On BET's 'Real Husbands Of Hollywood'!". humormillmag.com. September 25, 2012. Archived from the original on December 20, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  38. unknown (February 20, 2007). "Meet the New Cast of 'Dancing With the Stars". ABC.com Dancing with the Stars. Archived from the original on February 23, 2007. Retrieved February 21, 2007.
  39. "Anton Ohno wins Dancing with the Stars". showbizspy.com. May 23, 2007. Archived from the original on December 19, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  40. "Laila Ali and Hulk Hogan are confirmed as new presenters of American Gladiators". Gladiators Zone. October 31, 2007. Archived from the original on October 25, 2007. Retrieved October 31, 2007.
  41. "'American Gladiators' Attempt to Take on 'Celebrity Family Feud'". about.com. Archived from the original on May 13, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  42. "Laila Ali Joins "The Early Show"". cbsnews.com. February 11, 2009. Archived from the original on January 29, 2011. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  43. Schneider, Michael (November 5, 2007). "Laila Ali to host 'Student Body'". Variety. Archived from the original on December 21, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  44. Bryson, Carey (November 23, 2007). "Yo Gabba Gabba! – All new Episodes with Musical Guest Stars". about.com. Archived from the original on May 13, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  45. "New Television Series, Everyday Health, Hosted by Laila Ali, Ethan Zohn & Jenna Morasca to Premiere on ABC Affiliates September 3, 2011". sys-con.com. September 1, 2011. Archived from the original on December 19, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  46. Schafer, Jenny (May 25, 2012). "Laila Ali: "We Are A Kissing Family"". Archived from the original on August 20, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  47. Reeves, Ronke Idowu (August 16, 2012). "Laila Ali on Beyoncé, Gabby Douglas, Drake and Stars Earn Stripes". bet.com. Archived from the original on December 20, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  48. Levine, Sara (May 5, 2013). "One-on-One With the Chopped All-Stars Season 3 Champion". FN Dish. Archived from the original on August 27, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  49. "'Celebrity Apprentice,' sans Trump, announces cast". newsday.com. Archived from the original on June 3, 2016.
  50. Ritz, David & Ali, Laila (June 2002). Reach! Finding Strength, Spirit, and Personal Power (1st ed.). Hyperion. ISBN 978-0786868551.
  51. "REACH! Finding Strength, Spirit and Personal Power". publishersweekly.com. June 1, 2002. Archived from the original on December 19, 2013. Retrieved August 26, 2013.
  52. Alden, James (January 23, 2013). "Yahya McClain: "I wanted to ensure that the Ali image was not tarnished"". fighthype.com. Archived from the original on December 19, 2013. Retrieved August 26, 2013.
  53. Tan, Michelle (September 11, 2008). "Laila Ali Gives Birth to Her First Son". People. Retrieved February 28, 2019.
  54. Michaud, Sarah (April 4, 2011). "Laila Ali Welcomes Daughter Sydney". People. Archived from the original on March 27, 2015. Retrieved February 28, 2019.
  55. Rizzo, Monica (June 10, 2011). "Meet Laila Ali's Daughter Sydney J." People. Archived from the original on March 29, 2015. Retrieved March 27, 2015.
  56. References Ali's marriage and her stepchildren Archived October 17, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  57. Hogan, Hulk; Dagostino, Mark (November 27, 2009). My Life Outside the Ring. ASIN B004S7QBIG.
  58. "Kevin Casey will fight at UFC 199 despite passing of father-in-law Muhammad Ali". FoxSports.com. Archived from the original on June 6, 2016.

General sources
Preceded by
Valerie Mahfood		 2nd IWBF World Super Middleweight Champion
November 8, 2002 – 2007		 Current holder
2nd WIBA World Super Middleweight Champion
November 8, 2002 – 2007		 Vacant
Title next held by
Natascha Ragosina
New award 1st WBC Female World Super Middleweight Champion
November 11, 2006 – 2007
Preceded by
Mike Adamle (1989–1996)
Dan Clark (1995–1996)		 Host of American Gladiators
with Hulk Hogan
2008–present		 Incumbent
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