GIRLS WHO GET IT- LAILA ALI

11:58 PM Posted by MS.NOVA

A boxer since the age of 15, Laila Ali followed in the footsteps of her legendary father, Muhammad Ali. Despite her parent’s objections, Laila insisted that boxing was something she wanted to pursue professionally and achieved great success in a career that put the sport on the map for women.

Though she focused on earned a Business degree from Santa Monica College, Laila was a natural boxer from the get-go. In 1999, she proved to the world what it meant to wear the name “Ali” on her shorts when she knocked out her first opponent in their first round. Laila later went on to fight Jackie Frazer-Lyde, daughter of boxing great Joe Frazer, in a highly-anticipated match in 2001. Winning after eight rounds, this fight was the first Pay Per View match of its kind between two Black women and was reminiscent of the fight trilogy between the women’s fathers years prior. Before retiring from the boxing world, Laila was awarded several titles, including Women's International Boxing Association (WIBA) Super Middleweight Champion, International Women's Boxing Federation (IWBF) Super Middleweight Champion and International Boxing Association (IBA) Super Middleweight Champion.

In addition to inspiring women in the ring, Laila co-authored the 2002 book Reach! Finding Strength, Spirit and Personal Power aimed to motivate the next generation. Since retiring from the world of professional boxing, she went on to show off her athleticism on the popular television show Dancing with the Stars, where she placed third in 2010 with zero dance experience. No stranger to television, Laila also hosts the remake of the 1989 hit American Gladiators alongside former pro wrestler Hulk Hogan.

Once divorced, Laila is now happily remarried to former NFL player Curtis Conway. Pregnant with her second child, the couple continues to expand their large family.

Powerful, positive and passionate, Laila Ali is a Girl Who Gets It.

To gain more insight into what Laila brings to the table, check out her interview with Nova here:

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