Ali weeps as world title dream realised in Texas

Ramla Ali won her first world title at 36, beating previously undefeated Mikiah Kreps by split decision in Arlington, Texas. The victory gives the British boxer the WBO and IBF super-bantamweight belts and fulfils a long-held ambition after her first title challenge ended in defeat in 2023.

Ali was knocked down in the third round but held on as Kreps rallied and landed more punches overall. The judges scored the bout 97-92, 96-93 and 98-91 for Ali; she dedicated the win to her late father, who died in May. Born in Somalia, Ali came to London as a refugee and later became the first Somali boxer to compete at an Olympics, at Tokyo 2020.