The victory marked a major milestone in Ali’s boxing career, making her a world champion for the first time.

ARLINGTON: British-Somali boxer Ramla Ali claimed her first world titles at the age of 37 after defeating American Mikiah Kreps by split decision in Arlington, Texas, on Sunday.

Ali secured the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior featherweight titles despite being outlanded throughout the 10-round contest.

Kreps landed 115 punches compared with Ali’s 78 and held a 91-70 advantage in power punches. The American also landed more shots in eight of the 10 rounds.

However, Ali’s third-round right hook sent Kreps to the canvas, giving the British-Somali boxer a crucial moment in the contest. Kreps responded strongly and forced Ali onto the back foot for much of the remaining fight.

The judges delivered a split decision, with two scoring the bout 97-92 and 96-93 in Ali’s favour. The third judge scored it 98-91 for Kreps.

The victory marked a major milestone in Ali’s boxing career, making her a world champion for the first time.

Born in Somalia, Ali fled the country’s civil war with her family and eventually settled in London as a refugee.

She made history as the first Somali boxer to compete at the Olympic Games, representing Somalia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Ali also became the first Muslim woman to win an English amateur boxing title, establishing herself as a trailblazer in the sport.