Athletes

Laila Ali joined the Women’s Sport Foundation’s Board of Trustees in 2007. The former International Women’s Boxing Federation (IWBF) Super Middleweight, World Boxing Council (WBC) and Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) Middleweight champion is known for stunning displays of pure power early in a bout. Just 56 seconds into the first round of her February 2007 match against Gwendolyn O’Neil, she floored her opponent for the WBC and WIBA Middleweight titles, improving her record to 24-0 with 21 via knockout. Her boxing debut in October 1999 resulted in a 31-second first-round knockout of April Fowler. Capturing title after title during her boxing career, she won the IWBF Super Middleweight championship in November of 2002 and successfully defended it twice in three years (July 2004 and February 2005). In 2004, she moved up a division and won the Light Heavyweight IWBF belt by knocking out defending champ O’Neil. In November of 2002 she took home the WIBA Super Middleweight title. Media darling turned media member, Ali has appeared in Sports Illustrated, People and Essence and on “Good Morning America,” the “Today Show” and “Rachael Ray.” She used the fancy footwork learned in the ring on the dance floor, finishing third on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” in 2006. Ali can be seen as the co-host of the revived “American Gladiators” and as a contributing correspondent for “The Early Show.” The consummate motivator, Ali authored “Reach!” - an inspirational piece guide to life for young women – and in 2007 teamed with boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard on a series of workouts DVDs (Knockout Two Pack, Lightweight Beginner and Heavyweight Advanced). Ali has also recently partnered with Uncle Ben’s and the Kid’s Café program in the fight against childhood hunger.

For more information on Laila, visit www.lailaali.com.