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 women's boxing on television for the first time, Laila instantly wanted to become a boxer. About a year later, she sold her business and started training to become a professional fighter.

Laila made her professional boxing debut on October 8, 1999 with a 31 second 1st round knockout of her opponent, April Fowler. She went on to win the next seven bouts with a string of knockouts before facing a tough Kendra Lendhart.

October 2000, Laila fought Lenhart, 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.

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.

June 20, 2003 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Laila defends her title against second time opponent Mahfood. Ali dominated Mahfood once again in a rematch of their Nov. 8 fight. Referee David Mendoza stopped it at 1:17 of the sixth round after Ali was landing punches freely and Mahfood was unable to defend herself.

On August 23rd, in Biloxi Mississippi, Laila stopped veteran fighter Christy Martin "The Coal Miner's Daughter" in the fourth round of their highly anticipated bout. Martin was thought of to be the best "pound for pound" female fighter in the sport. Before 10,000 fans, Laila easily dominated her in every round. She gave Christy the worst beating she had ever experienced and put her on the canvas for the first time in 50 professional bouts.

July 17th, 2004 at the Bowie Baysox Stadium in Washington DC, Laila Executes a 4th Round TKO against Nikki Eplion.

July 30, 2004 in Louisville Kentucky, less than two weeks after defeating Nikki Eplion, Laila forces Monica Nunez’s corner to throw in the towel in this 9th round TKO. Laila retains her IWBF Super Middleweight title. Laila has already started off 2005 with a bang by defending her super middleweight title and stopping Cassandra Geigger on Feb. 11th at Phillips Arena in Atlanta, GA.

September 24, 2004 Laila move’s to Light Heavyweight and gains the IWBF women’s title by knocking out Gwendolyn O’Neil at the end of the 3rd round.

Laila has since gone on to defeat Nikki Epillon and Monica Nunez by Ko. Ali fought Nunez on Mike Tysons undercard in Louisville Kentucky in 2004. She Also won a Light heavyweight title when she knocked out Gwendolyn Oneal. Laila started off 2005 with a bang by defending her super middleweight title and stopping Cassandra Geigger on Feb. 11th at Phillips Arena in Atlanta, GA.

Laila is now said to be the best and most recognized female fighter in the world today. Like her 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 international recognition and an undefeated record.

Laila has appeared in numerous magazines such as Sports Illustrated, People, Ebony, Jet, Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Essence, ESPN Magazine, Muscular Development, Time, Vibe, Heart and Soul, just to name a few. She has made guest appearances on Intimate Portrait, Good Morning America, Today Show, Disney Channel, Politically Incorrect, Best Damn Sports Show, Craig Kilbourn, BET and more.

Laila has had endorsement deals with Dr. Pepper, Ford Motors and Bum Equipment. She currently endorses Soft Sheen-Caron Hair Care products, Nicotrol and Adidas. Laila wrote a motivational book called Reach! Which is geared toward young women who may need to be inspired in life. Laila uses her own experiences and challenges as an example for her readers.


Soure: Laila Ali Official Site