Islamabad(GNP): British-Somali boxer Ramla Ali has finally achieved a major milestone in her professional boxing career, winning her first world titles after defeating American fighter Mikiah Kreps in a highly controversial split decision in Arlington, Texas. However, what should have been a straightforward celebration of a historic sporting achievement quickly turned into a major boxing debate over the judges’ scoring.
The 36-year-old boxer claimed the vacant World Boxing Organisation (WBO) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) women’s junior featherweight titles following a 10-round contest on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
Although Ramla Ali secured the victory, the decision surprised many boxing observers because Kreps appeared to dominate much of the fight and landed significantly more punches. The controversial result has raised fresh questions about judging standards in professional boxing.
Ramla Ali Wins Two Major World Boxing Titles
The victory marks a defining moment in Ramla Ali’s professional career. After years of hard work, international competition and personal challenges, she has finally reached the top of women’s junior featherweight boxing.
Ali defeated her former sparring partner Mikiah Kreps to claim two vacant world championship belts. The fight took place at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas, with both boxers competing over 10 rounds.
The judges delivered divided scores, with two awarding the victory to Ali:
- 97-92 in favour of Ramla Ali.
- 96-93 in favour of Ramla Ali.
- 98-91 in favour of Mikiah Kreps.
The split decision officially crowned Ali as the new WBO and IBF junior featherweight champion.
For Ramla Ali, the result represented the achievement of a long-standing ambition. However, the disputed scoring became one of the biggest talking points following the fight.
Why Is Ramla Ali’s Victory Controversial?
Despite winning the fight, Ramla Ali faced immediate criticism from boxing observers who believed Mikiah Kreps had done enough to deserve the victory.
According to Compubox punch statistics, Kreps landed 115 punches compared with Ali’s 78. The American also connected with more powerful shots, recording a 91-70 advantage in power punches.
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Kreps reportedly landed more punches in eight of the 10 rounds, demonstrating her higher activity throughout the contest.
Although Ali secured an important knockdown in the third round, Kreps recovered and increased her attacking pressure. She appeared to control many of the remaining rounds, making the final judges’ decision particularly surprising.
The Guardian’s own scorecard favoured Kreps by 97-92, adding to the controversy surrounding the official result.
Veteran boxing promoter Lou DiBella also criticised the decision and called for an investigation into the scoring.
The controversy has placed Ramla Ali’s historic victory under intense scrutiny, with many fans questioning how the judges reached their final scores.
Third-Round Knockdown Changed the Fight
One of the most important moments of the contest came during the third round when Ramla Ali connected with a powerful right hook that sent Kreps to the canvas.
The knockdown gave Ali an early advantage and demonstrated her ability to produce decisive moments during the fight.
However, Kreps responded strongly after getting back on her feet. She increased her punching volume, applied continuous pressure and disrupted Ali’s rhythm.
The American boxer appeared increasingly comfortable as the fight progressed, landing combinations and maintaining a higher work rate.
Despite Kreps’s strong response, two judges ultimately favoured Ali, allowing the British-Somali fighter to leave the ring with both world championship belts.
From Somalia’s Civil War to Boxing World Champion
Beyond the controversy, Ramla Ali’s journey is one of the most inspiring stories in international boxing.
Ali and her family fled Somalia’s civil war and eventually settled in London as refugees. Growing up in East London, she developed an interest in boxing as a teenager and gradually built a career in a sport where women have historically faced significant barriers.
Her achievements extend far beyond professional boxing.
She became the first Somali boxer to compete at the Olympic Games, representing Somalia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. She also made history as the first Muslim woman to win an English amateur boxing title.
Her journey from refugee to international athlete has made her an important figure for young people, particularly girls who want to pursue careers in professional sports.
Following her latest victory, Ramla Ali expressed her emotions and dedicated the achievement to Somalia.
She also spoke about her late father, who passed away in May 2026. Ali explained that her trainer had encouraged her to fight in his memory, making the victory even more emotional.
Ramla Ali Pays Tribute to Mikiah Kreps
Despite the controversial result, Ramla Ali showed respect towards her opponent after the fight.
She acknowledged Kreps’s impressive work rate and admitted that the American had pushed her physically throughout the 10 rounds.
Ali also expressed appreciation for the challenge Kreps had presented, recognising that her opponent had made the contest extremely difficult.
The two fighters had previously worked together as sparring partners, making their championship encounter particularly interesting.
Their mutual respect after the fight offered a different perspective on an evening dominated by arguments over the judges’ decision.
What Does This Victory Mean for Ramla Ali’s Boxing Career?
Winning the WBO and IBF junior featherweight titles represents a major step forward for Ramla Ali and establishes her as a world champion in professional boxing.
The victory could open doors to more high-profile fights, greater international recognition and potential championship unification opportunities.
However, the controversy surrounding the decision may continue to follow her achievement.
Mikiah Kreps could also seek another opportunity to challenge for the titles, particularly given the disputed scoring and her strong performance throughout the fight.
For now, Ali has secured her place among the world champions, completing an extraordinary journey from fleeing conflict to achieving success on the international sporting stage.
Despite the debate surrounding the judges’ verdict, Ramla Ali’s first world championship victory will remain a significant moment in her career and an inspiring achievement for aspiring boxers around the world.
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