Ramla Ali KOs Crystal Garcia Nova in Saudi Arabia
By David A. Avila
(Photo by Prizefighters.com)
In a history-making display Ramla Ali needed less than two minutes to prove female prowess in the prize ring with a knockout over Crystal Garcia Nova in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
Ali became the first Muslim female to fight in Saudi Arabia.
Flanked by her Los Angeles team wearing Dodger uniforms with the number 42, Ali (7-0, 2 Kos) showed off her punching prowess against Dominican Republic’s Garcia (10-3, 10 Kos) at Jeddah Superdome in Jedda, Saudi Arabia.
It was fitting that Ali, 32, became the first female of her faith to perform in the prize ring in a country that had never allowed it before. Ali and her entire team wore Dodger uniforms with number 42, the same uniform worn by the late great Jackie Robinson who broke the barrier preventing black athletes to compete in Major League Baseball back in 1947.
Ali was cognizant of her impact in the ring as a Muslim female prizefighter and made the most of the occasion with a sensational knockout in the opening round.
Though Garcia entered the ring with a record of scoring knockouts in all of her victories, Ali moved forward immediately at the opening bell in an aggressive manner and let the punches flow. Twice she connected with overhand rights with the second right zeroing on Garcia’s chin. Out flew the mouthpiece from the impact of the punch, and down went the Dominican fighter for the count.
Referee Frank Garza counted her out at 1:05 of the first round. Ali won by technical knockout. It was her second knockout under the guidance of Los Angeles trainer Manny Robles.
“I feel really good. I feel like I need to go back and do some more pads. I didn’t get out of first gear. But it’s cool having a stoppage,” said Ali after the fight.
Ali seemed surprised by the quickness of the fight and the effect of her power.
Promoter Eddie Hearn was not surprised.
“This was good work. She’s dealing with Manny Robles. She’s surprised by the knockout, but Manny has her sitting down on her punches and turning those hands over and you can see the results,” said Hearn president of Matchroom Boxing.
Unknown to many was the Somalia-born athlete had endured serious injuries but opted to accept the invitation to fight against knockout artist Garcia Nova.
“Funny story. My last two fights I’ve been training and competing with a fractured wrist and a fractured toe. I really need to take some time off now,” said Ali who has spent most of the year in Los Angeles. “This was just such a massive opportunity I couldn’t say no even though I was in a world of pain.”
Despite the brevity of the fight, she does intend to return and hopefully fight a 10-round bout before heading to a world title challenge. And, also to continue working on her power with trainer Robles.
“One thing he said when I first walked into his gym is “you’re not sitting down on your punches enough.” And it’s taking up till now,” said Ali about training under Robles team. “I still don’t feel I have done it yet. But he’s an amazing coach and I’m really blessed to be under his coaching.”
Can her newly discovered power take her to a world title?
“Let’s see what the future holds,” said Ali.