Laila Muhammad Ali - Profile: "Like Father Like Daughter"
I am sure we all have heard the famous saying, "Like Father like son" over and over again in school, college, university and professional career. When I started my professional career at the local publication office where my father used to work as well I continuously heard that expression. On every good deed I got this comment. Anyway, why am I drifting into the past? I am here to write about this certain individual who single handily has changed the phrase and now it is even used for daughters. The new saying is, "Like father like daughter". Have you guessed it? No prizes for guessing it right, yes I am talking about the daughter of the boxing legend Muhammad Ali. Laila Ali is now a boxing legend herself.
Laila Ali as stated earlier is the daughter of the three time world heavy weight boxing champion Muhammad Ali and the former model Veronica Porsche Ali. She was born on December 30th, 1977. Laila has two brothers and six sisters. She stands 5 feet and 10 inches tall and to the surprise of many, studied at the Santa Monica College to pursue a degree in Business. Before turning pro, Laila had her own business of Halloween masks and Balloons in California. Although, she has retired after a short boxing career but during her brief career, she made sure that she lives up to the legacy of her father.
At 18, when Laila decided to pursue a career in boxing, to her surprise her father actually opposed it and called it a dangerous sport. Laila for once didn’t listen to what her father said and went on with her decision. She turned pro at 21 and caused a media rush. Her first match was in Michigan City, Indiana at the turning stone casino convention which lasted for just a few minutes as Laila sent her opponent April Fowler packing with a knock out. This match was highlighted in almost all the print media across the globe and Laila gave the credit of her win to Mr. Ali who was right besides the ring.
Laila’s biggest career match was on June 8th, 2001 with Jackie Frazier-Lyde, the daughter of another boxing legend Joe Frazier. Ali and Frazier’s rivalry is still the most talked about in boxing circuit and the two daughters were ready to take it to the next level. Media dubbed the match as Ali/Frazier IV as this was the fourth meeting of Ali and Frazier. The match was broadcasted on pay per view. Jackie was backed by her father while Laila’s mother was besides the ring side to show her support. The match was worth every single cent spent to watch it. One of the announcers that night called it a full value for money. Both the ladies fought with all their hearts and the match continued for eight rounds. Laila won in the end on points basis.
After this match, Laila decided to win some gold as well. She defeated Suzette Taylor to win the IBA title. Laila was still not content and defeated Valerie Mahfood to win WIBA and IWBF belts, finally becoming the queen of women’s boxing. She won all these titles in 2002. In 2003, Laila again defeated Mahfood to retain her title. This was indeed the toughest match of her career and Mahfood left her with a cut under the eye as a souvenir to keep the memory alive.
Laila entered the ring 24 times and never lost a match. She won 21 of her matches through knockouts. Now retired Laila endorses a cosmetics company. She has kept Ali’s boxing legacy alive and proved to the world that even daughters can follow up on the footsteps of their fathers.
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