10.02.04 – By Ike Enwereuzor: www.Jacboxing.com – undefeated IWBF/WIBA and IBA super Middleweight champion “She Bee Stingin” Laila Ali (16-0) with 13 knockouts, now trained by former world champion Roger Mayweather and managed by her Husband Johnny McClain, made her professional debut on October 8, 1999 at Turning Stone Casino, Verona, New York against April Fowler of Michigan,IN by first round knockout.
Her last fight was at Mississippi Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, MS where she destroyed former renown champion Christy Martin with a fourth round knockout. Laila is still undefeated and has a lot to share with her Boxing fans. Here’s what she had to say:
Ike: How is everything? What are you doing these days?
Laila: I’m doing great. When I’m not getting ready for a fight, I enjoy spending time with my husband and other family members. My hobbies are cooking and interior design. During my off time, I make appearances for the companies that I endorse and do photo shoots for different magazines.
Ike: Why didn’t your fight in Nigeria happen?
Laila: My fight that was supposed to take place in Nigeria, did not happen because the people who were putting the event together did not hold up to their end of the deal.
Ike: Please tell our readers about your fight with Christy Martin?
Laila: My fight with Christy Martin was the biggest fight in women’s boxing. It went just as I planned. I gave her the beat-down, easily.
Ike: Your impression of Ann Wolfe?
Laila: Ann Wolfe is a strong fighter. I think she would be a good fight for me because she looks so masculine, and that would make some people think she has a chance against me. But the bottom line is, she would get knocked the hell out!
Ike: Your thoughts on women boxing today?
Laila: Women’s boxing has grown a lot because it has gotten a lot more exposure over the last few years, but it needs more time to grow. One women can’t represent for the entire sport.
Ike: Your advice to any female who may want to Box?
Laila: Anyone who wants to fight, needs to get with a trainer that is knowledgeable about the game, and that will take time with him or her. I also strongly recommend an amateur career.
Ike: Compare female Boxing to men’s Boxing?
Laila: Women fight 2 minute rounds, and 10 round championship fights.
Ike: Please describe your fight in China against Shirvell Williams?
Laila: Fighting in China was a wonderful experience. It feels good to know that I have fans all around the world.
Ike: What do you wish to accomplish in Boxing that you haven’t achieved yet?
Laila: I have accomplished my goals in boxing already. Now, I continue to fight because I love it, and I want to grow as a fighter.
Ike: How would you compare sparring with females to men?
Laila: It is hard for me to find women that are my weight, and experienced enough to give me some work consistently; I spar with men because, I can let it all go with them.
Ike: Any comments to your fans?
Laila: I would like to thank all of my fans for supporting me. Hopefully, I will be in some good fights this year. I won’t be in the game much longer. You can always log onto www.LailaAli.net for the most current info.
Comments? Questions? Email: Jacboxingfans@hotmail.com