Ramla Ali Wins First World Titles at 36 After a Disputed Split Decision

Ramla Ali reached the top of the junior featherweight division at 36, winning the vacant WBO and IBF world titles in Arlington, Texas. But her 10-round split decision over Mikiah Kreps immediately drew controversy, with many observers believing Kreps had controlled most of the fight after an early setback. Ali scored a knockdown in the third round when Kreps touched the canvas with a glove after being caught by a right hook. Kreps responded by increasing her output and pressing Ali, appearing to take the majority of the remaining rounds. The judges disagreed sharply: two scored the bout 97-92 and 96-93 for Ali, while the third gave Kreps a 98-91 victory. The Guardian’s own scorecard favored Kreps by the same 97-92 margin. The punch statistics cited in the report also favored Kreps. She landed 115 punches to Ali’s 78, including 91 power shots to Ali’s 70, and connected more often in eight of the 10 rounds. Kreps threw 525 punches, compared with Ali’s 346, maintaining the higher pace throughout. When the result was announced, Ali dropped to her knees in tears. She said the victory meant a great deal to her and to Somalia, and hoped her achievement would encourage young people to pursue ambitious dreams. Ali also dedicated the win to her father, who died six months earlier. She recalled that her coach had urged her in the changing room to fight for him, adding that the memory brought out her emotions after the decision. Ali also praised Kreps for her relentless work rate, saying she had repeatedly told her corner how tired she was. Promoter Lou DiBella was among those criticizing the verdict and, according to the report, called for an investigation. The win marked Ali’s second attempt at a world championship and capped a journey that began after her family fled Somalia’s civil war for east London.