Ramla Ali

Ramla Ali is a Somali-British professional boxer, model, and campaign activist who became the first Somali boxer to compete at the Olympic Games, representing her country on the global stage. After becoming the first Somali boxer to compete at the Olympic Games in 2021, Ramla Ali has established herself as a formidable force in professional boxing, modeling, and humanitarian advocacy. Ali’s distinguished amateur career included securing the 2015 Novice national championships in England, followed by the 2016 England Boxing Elite National Championships and the 2016 Great British Championships. Continuing her historic trajectory, she became the first boxer to win an international gold medal for Somalia in 2018 and captured the African Zone featherweight title in 2019, consistently bringing positive global attention to her country.

Ali solidified her legacy by representing Somalia at the 2020 Summer Olympics in 2021, competing in the women’s featherweight event. Transitioning to professional boxing, she made her debut on October 31, 2020. A significant milestone in her professional career was her victory against Crystal Garcia Nova in the first professional women’s boxing match held in Saudi Arabia in 2022, marking a groundbreaking moment for the sport in the region. Beyond her athletic achievements, Ali is a recognized figure for her impactful advocacy and modeling work.

Ali’s multifaceted career also extends into literature and film. Her debut novel, ‘Not Without A Fight,’ a self-help book, was published by Merky Books & Penguin Random House. A feature-length drama based on her compelling life story is currently in development with Film4, signaling her growing presence in the entertainment industry. Looking ahead, Ali is set to headline a significant event in 2025, where she will compete against Lila Furtado on an all-women’s boxing card broadcast on Netflix at Madison Square Garden, further cementing her status as a global icon.