Career Timeline of Laila Ali: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 13, 2025

How Laila Ali built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Laila Ali is an American television personality and retired professional boxer. From 1999 to 2007, she remained undefeated, holding WBC, WIBA, IWBF, and IBA super middleweight titles, as well as the IWBF light heavyweight title. Many consider her one of the greatest female boxers ever. She is the daughter of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

October 8, 1999: First Professional Boxing Match

On October 8, 1999, Laila Ali, at 21 years old, had her first professional boxing match against April Fowler at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York. Ali won the match.

1999: Boxing Career Start

In 1999, Laila Ali began her career as a professional boxer.

June 8, 2001: Ali vs. Frazier-Lyde Fight

On June 8, 2001, Laila Ali fought Jacqui Frazier-Lyde, Joe Frazier's daughter. Ali won the match by a majority judges' decision, marking the first main-event pay-per-view match between two women.

June 7, 2002: Ali vs. Shirvelle Williams

On June 7, 2002, after a year's hiatus, Ali beat Shirvelle Williams in a six-round decision.

August 17, 2002: Wins IBA Title

On August 17, 2002, Laila Ali won the IBA title by defeating Suzette Taylor with a second-round knockout in Las Vegas.

June 21, 2003: Ali vs. Mahfood Rematch

On June 21, 2003, Laila Ali and Valerie Mahfood had a rematch in Los Angeles. Ali won by TKO in six rounds.

August 23, 2003: Ali vs. Christy Martin

On August 23, 2003, Laila Ali fought her original inspiration, Christy Martin, and won by a knockout in four rounds.

July 17, 2004: Ali Retains World Title

On July 17, 2004, Laila Ali retained her world title by knocking out Nikki Eplion in four rounds.

July 30, 2004: Ali vs. Monica Nunez

On July 30, 2004, Laila Ali defeated Monica Nunez in nine rounds in Louisville, Kentucky.

September 24, 2004: Wins IWBF Light Heavyweight Title

On September 24, 2004, Laila Ali won the IWBF Light Heavyweight title by defeating Gwendolyn O'Neil by knockout in three rounds in Atlanta, Georgia.

February 1, 2005: Ali vs. Cassandra Geiggar

On February 1, 2005, Laila Ali scored a technical knockout over Cassandra Geiggar in an eight-round fight in Atlanta.

June 11, 2005: Wins WBC Title

On June 11, 2005, Laila Ali defeated Erin Toughill to win the World Boxing Council title and defend her WIBA crown.

December 17, 2005: Ali vs. Åsa Sandell

On December 17, 2005, Laila Ali defeated Åsa Sandell by TKO in the fifth round in Berlin. Muhammad Ali was in attendance.

June 7, 2006: World Tour Announcement

On June 7, 2006, Laila Ali announced on "Quite Frankly with Stephen A. Smith" that she would be making a world tour and was looking forward to fighting Ann Wolfe.

August 5, 2006: Pulled out of fight with O'Neil

On August 5, 2006, Laila Ali was rescheduled to fight Gwendolyn O'Neil in Cape Town, but pulled out amid allegations of fraud.

October 2006: Ann Wolfe Fight Never Materialized

In October 2006, the fight between Laila Ali and Ann Wolfe never materialized.

November 11, 2006: Ali vs. Shelley Burton

On November 11, 2006, Laila Ali fought and defeated Shelley Burton by TKO in the fourth round.

February 2, 2007: Final Professional Fight

On February 2, 2007, Laila Ali defeated Gwendolyn O'Neil in the first round by technical knockout in South Africa. It was Ali's last professional fight.