Laila Ali at 47: An Undefeated Career On Her Own Terms
December 30, 1977 — Miami Beach, Florida
Laila Ali’s name ensured she would be noticed. It did not ensure she would be respected. Few fighters arrive in boxing carrying both the expectation and skepticism that Ali did. Today, her birthday, invites a clear look at a career defined by consistency, discipline and control. Her record speaks for itself.
Choosing the Ring
Ali grew up largely outside the boxing gym. The daughter of Muhammad Ali and Veronica Porché Ali, she was raised primarily in California and did not begin boxing until her early twenties, an unusually late start by elite standards.
Her decision was not immediately embraced by her family. Muhammad Ali publicly expressed concern about women boxing, a stance he later softened as his daughter’s seriousness and discipline became clear. That early resistance influenced Ali’s career arc as she entered boxing with something to prove rather than something assumed.
A Professional Record Without Ambiguity
Laila Ali retired with a professional record of 24 wins, 0 losses, and 21 knockouts, competing from 1999 to 2007. She won world titles recognized by the WBC, WIBA, IWBF, and IBA, primarily at super middleweight and light heavyweight.
Her résumé includes victories over the most credible opposition available in women’s boxing at the time. She defeated Christy Martin in 2003 in what was then the most widely covered women’s bout in the United States. Ali later beat Jacqui Frazier-Lyde, daughter of Joe Frazier, in a bout that was promoted on merit rather than novelty. When Laila faced Jacqui, the promotional campaign referred to it as Ali – Frazier IV due to the fact that their fathers had fought each other in a trilogy. It was the only loss in Jacqui’s career and she retired with a record of 13-1.
Ali also unified titles and consistently headlined cards, an uncommon position for women’s fighters in the early 2000s. She retired undefeated in February 2007, following a dominant knockout victory over Gwendolyn O’Neil.
Style, Discipline, and Control
Ali’s effectiveness was rooted in fundamentals. She fought upright, controlled distance well, and used physical strength responsibly rather than recklessly. Many of her knockouts came not from single shots, but from an accumulation; a sign of conditioning and composure rather than raw aggression.
Ali’s professionalism was respected. She stayed active without over-fighting, avoided unnecessary weight fluctuations, and treated boxing as a long-term craft rather than a short-term spectacle. Those choices were important factors in enabling her to retire healthy and undefeated.
Life Beyond Boxing
After retiring, Ali transitioned into television, entrepreneurship, and public speaking. She hosted programs related to fitness, lifestyle, and competition. She has authored books focused on health and wellness and has remained a visible advocate for balanced fitness rather than extreme training culture. She has also participated in charitable and awareness efforts, particularly in areas related to women’s health and empowerment.
Laila Amaria Ali wed Curtis Conway in Los Angeles on July 23, 2007. They share five children. They have a son and daughter together, and Leila is stepmom to Conway’s three children.
Ali has spoken publicly about maintaining boundaries between her professional identity and her personal life, a contrast to the constant public exposure that defined her father’s era. That balance may be one of her most understated accomplishments.
A Legacy Grounded in Record, Not Reputation
Laila Ali’s place in boxing history rests on a professional record that holds up under scrutiny, reputable championships, and a career managed with determination and clarity.
She fought during a period when women’s boxing lacked structural depth, television access, and long-term financial security. Within those limits, she maximized every opportunity available.
On her birthday, we honor Laila Ali and her accomplishments both in and outside of the ring.