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Muhammad Ali's Daughter: Laila Ali
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Biography | Statistics
Laila Ali (MIAMI BEACH, FL USA), Muhammad Ali's daughter, 14-0-0, 11 KO's
If bloodlines mean anything. Laila Ali is not only going to the top of her sport, she is going to put on quite a show getting there.
Laila is the youngest daughter of the legendary former Heavyweight Champion of the World and Humanitarian, Muhammad Ali and Veronica Porsche Anderson.
Laila, a multi talented entrepreneur, owned and operated a nail salon in California. Professional fighting is a major departure for Laila who was on her way to the University of Southern California Business School, via Santa Monica College where she earned her degree in Business Management. After watching a female fight on television for the first time, she decided to sell her business and commit to a professional career.
Like her famous father, the 5'10" Ali has quick feet, a stiff jab and a natural self confidence. Laila is living up to the hype successfully with 11 wins, 8 coming by way of knockout.
Laila has appeared in numerous magazines, Sports Illustrated, Women's Sports Illustrated, Elite, Muscular Development, Time, Vibe, Heart and Soul, just to name a few. She has made guest appearances on Intimate Portraits, Good Morning America, Today Show, Disney Channel, Arliss and BET.
Laila made her professional boxing debut on October 8, 1999 with a 31 second 1st round knockout of her opponent, April Fowler. She struck a pose reminiscent of her father as she stood over her stunned opponent with her fist cocked and a scowl on her face. Laila went on to win the next seven bouts with a string of knockouts before facing a tough Kendra Lendhart.
October 2000, Laila fought Kendra who was the current champion and won by a unanimous decision.
March 2, 2001, Laila and Jackie Frazier fought on the same fight card to commemorate the 30th anniversary of their father's first fight.
May 3, 2001. Laila was impressive with a 5th round TKO win over Christina Robinson. Robinson who went 5 rounds with Christy Martin , was no match the high-pressure attack of Laila.
June 8, 2001 Laila Ali fought Jackie Frazier in front of a sold-out crowd of over 8000. Laila won a unanimous decision. The fight was reminiscent of their dads because the daughters fought to the end. Laila's skills were to dominant for Frazier.
After successful shoulder surgery, Laila stepped back into the ring June 7 to defeat Shirvelle Williams in a 6 round TKO.
August 17, 2002 Laila Ali takes her first belt in the second round. Her opponent Suzy Taylor never had a chance. That night at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas - Laila raised her hands as the new IBA super middleweight champion.
November 8, 2002 at the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino, Laila Ali captures the WIBA and the IWBF supper middleweight titles after Valerie Mahfood forced referee Joe Cortez to halt the action at 1:14 of round eight.
February 14th, 2003 defends her belt against Mary Ann Almager a veteran of 10 years. Laila's dominance was felt from the first bell, till the 4th round of the TKO. Almager's body could no longer handle the punishment Laila was administering.
"Absoloot Boxing and Fitness Gym" is the latest undertaking for Laila and her husband, Johnny "Yahya" McClain. The gym is the first of many to be introduced throughout the county.
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