Ali weeps as world title dream realised in Texas

Ramla Ali secured her first world title at the age of 36 after defeating Mikiah Kreps in a split-decision victory in Arlington, Texas.The win is a crowning moment for the Briton, who fled a war-torn Somalia as a child before going on to become an Olympian, activist, author and now the WBO and IBF super-bantamweight champion.With her biopic about her remarkable life just released, Ali fulfilled a dream long in the making and that seemed far away when she was swept aside by Yamileth Mercado in her first attempt two years ago.An emotional Ali fell to her knees in tears as she was confirmed the winner with scorecards that read 97-92, 96-93 and 98-91 in her favour, dedicating the victory to her late father."When we were in the changing room, my coach said, because my dad passed away in May, 'Do this for him'," Ali said."That's where those emotions came out at the end, because I did it for my dad.""I can't put into words what this means to me and what this means to all of Somalia," she added."I've hopefully inspired so many young girls and boys out there to dream big and that's all I've ever wanted to do."As Ali wept, there was devastation for Kreps who was convinced she had done enough to win the contest.The previously undefeated American suffered a knockdown in the third round, walking onto a flush left hook from Ali.Kreps was unhappy with the knockdown call but replays showed the heavy shot caused the 30-year-old's glove to touch the canvas as she tried to steady herself.With a 10-8 round in the bag, Ali was unable to build on the moment, having to stand firm as Kreps came storming back and applying constant pressure.Kreps outlanded Ali with 115 punches to 78 and secured 91 power shots to Ali's 70 and one judge certainly was convinced of her as a clear winner with a wide 98-91 scorecard.With the fight threatening to slip away from her in the second half, Ali said every round was a mental battle to rise from her stool."I remember going to the corner every round and I remember saying 'I'm so tired, I can't do this'. All my coach responded was 'think about your dad, do this for your dad'. I think that really pushed me. I really boxed out of my skin, I was so knackered. I did it for him," Ali said."Every time I went to the corner, I kept saying, 'I'm so tired. I'm so tired,' because your work rate was just next level."