Laila Ali | Biography

• By Priyanka Das
• Original : April 18, 2025

Who is Laila Ali?

Laila Ali, born on December 30, 1977, in Miami Beach, Florida, is an accomplished American athlete and the daughter of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. Raised in Southern California, Laila had a challenging adolescence but eventually turned her life around by earning a degree in business management from Santa Monica College. Her inspiration to pursue boxing came in 1996 after watching a significant match between women boxers Christy Martin and Deirdre Gogarty. This sparked her interest in the sport, leading her to a remarkable ten-year career in professional boxing.

Laila Ali’s boxing career, which spanned from 1999 to 2007, saw her achieve an impressive record of 24 wins—21 by knockout—without any losses. Notable victories include a match against Jacqui Frazier-Lyde, the daughter of Joe Frazier, effectively reviving the historical rivalry between their fathers. Ali held multiple titles, including the International Boxing Association's Super Middleweight Champion and the International Women’s Boxing Federation’s Light Heavyweight title. Since retiring from boxing, she has ventured into various media projects, including hosting and appearing on numerous television shows, thereby solidifying her status as a prominent figure in sports and entertainment.

In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Laila Ali has authored a motivational memoir titled "Reach!: Finding Strength, Spirit, and Personal Power" and has produced workout videos. She has appeared as a health correspondent on CBS and co-hosted NBC's "American Gladiators." Balancing her professional endeavors with personal life, Ali has been married twice and is a dedicated mother to two children with her second husband, former NFL player Curtis Conway. Together, they reside in Los Angeles, continuing her legacy as an empowering figure in sports and health advocacy.

Early Life and Education

Laila Ali, born on December 30, 1977, in Miami Beach, Florida, is the daughter of the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali and his third wife, Veronica Porsche Ali. Growing up in Southern California, she experienced a childhood that included both privilege and challenges. She has an older sister, Hana, and spent her formative years navigating family dynamics and personal struggles. During her teenage years, Ali faced a troubled period that led to a stint in a juvenile detention center, pushing her to seek a more positive path.

After this difficult time, Laila rejuvenated her focus by pursuing education and subsequently earned a degree in business management from Santa Monica College. While attending school, she worked as a manicurist and eventually owned her own nail salon. It was in 1996, after watching a televised fight between women boxers Christy Martin and Deirdre Gogarty, where Laila found inspiration to delve into the sport of boxing herself, setting the stage for her remarkable career as a professional athlete.

Professional Career Highlights

Laila Ali is a renowned American athlete and former professional boxer, making her mark in the world of women's boxing from 1999 to 2007. Born on December 30, 1977, in Miami Beach, Florida, she is the daughter of boxing icon Muhammad Ali. Ali debuted in professional boxing at the age of 21 and quickly gained attention, winning her first match by knockout just 31 seconds into the first round against April Fowler. Throughout her career, she demonstrated remarkable talent and determination, culminating in an impressive undefeated record of 24 wins, with 21 of those victories coming by way of knockout.

Among her notable achievements, Ali defeated prominent figures in women's boxing, including a significant victory over Jacqui Frazier-Lyde in 2001, which was famously dubbed "Ali vs. Frazier IV." Her accolades include being named Super Middleweight Champion by multiple boxing organizations in 2002 and later securing the International Women’s Boxing Federation’s Light Heavyweight title in 2004. Ali's final match took place in 2007, where she again showcased her prowess by knocking out Gwendolyn O’Neil in the first round, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the sport and a role model for future generations of female athletes.

Achievements and Legacy in Boxing

Laila Ali, the daughter of boxing icon Muhammad Ali, forged her own path in the sport, making a significant mark in women's boxing between 1999 and 2007. With an impressive record of 24 wins and no losses, including 21 knockouts, Ali not only upheld her father's legacy but also became a champion in her own right. Her remarkable career included monumental victories, such as her bout against Jacqui Frazier-Lyde, which was famously promoted as “Ali vs. Frazier IV.” Ali was recognized as the Super Middleweight Champion by multiple boxing organizations and claimed the International Women’s Boxing Federation Light Heavyweight title, further solidifying her status in the boxing world.

Beyond her in-ring accomplishments, Laila Ali has become a multifaceted media personality, utilizing her platform to promote health and fitness. Her 2002 motivational memoir, "Reach!: Finding Strength, Spirit, and Personal Power," and her collaboration with Sugar Ray Leonard on workout videos reflect her commitment to encouraging others. Ali's appearances on popular shows like "Dancing with the Stars" and her role as a co-host of "American Gladiators" showcase her charisma and ability to connect with a broad audience. Through her various endeavors, Laila Ali has not only made a name for herself as a boxer but has also paved the way for future generations of female athletes, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.

Post-Boxing Ventures and Media Career

Laila Ali's post-boxing ventures reflect her dynamic personality and versatility beyond the ring. After retiring from her illustrious boxing career, Ali transitioned into a multimedia career that showcased her passion for fitness and health. In 2002, she published the motivational memoir "Reach!: Finding Strength, Spirit, and Personal Power," which resonated with fans and served as an inspiration to many. She also released a series of workout videos in collaboration with renowned boxer Sugar Ray Leonard in 2007, promoting her fitness philosophy and encouraging others to lead healthier lifestyles.

In addition to her projects in fitness, Ali gained national attention for her television appearances. She served as a health and fitness correspondent on CBS's "The Early Show," bringing awareness to various health issues. Her memorable stint on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" in 2007 highlighted her charisma and athleticism off the boxing canvas. Furthermore, Ali took on the role of co-host for NBC's revival of "American Gladiators," alongside wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, blending the world of sports with entertainment. All these endeavors illustrate Laila Ali's commitment to motivating and empowering others through her remarkable journey.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Laila Ali has had a dynamic personal life, marked by two significant marriages. Her first marriage to boxing promoter Johnny “Yahya” McClain took place in 2000, but after five years, the couple divorced in 2005. Despite the end of her first marriage, Ali has remained resilient and continued to thrive in her professional pursuits. In 2007, she found love again with retired NFL player Curtis Conway, marking a new chapter in her life filled with shared goals and aspirations. The couple's bond has been a supportive foundation for both their personal and professional endeavors.

Together, Laila Ali and Curtis Conway have two children: their son, Curtis Muhammad, was born in 2010, followed by the birth of their daughter, Sydney, in 2011. Ali is also a stepmother to Conway's three children from a previous marriage, which adds a lively and blended dynamic to their family life. Residing in Los Angeles, the couple emphasizes the importance of health, fitness, and family values, often sharing their experiences and family activities through social media. Their journey showcases a commitment to parenting and personal growth in the public eye.

Net Worth and Earning: Salary Details

Laila Ali, the daughter of boxing icon Muhammad Ali, has built a successful career in professional boxing and various media ventures. Throughout her boxing career from 1999 to 2007, Ali not only established herself as a dominant force in the ring but also created a significant financial legacy. With an impressive record of 24 wins, 21 of which were by knockout, Ali earned substantial purses from her fights, contributing to her net worth. At the height of her boxing career, her earnings per fight reportedly ranged from $300,000 to $1 million, depending on the event’s profile and the opponent.

Beyond her achievements in boxing, Ali ventured into television and fitness, further enhancing her financial portfolio. Her appearances as a fitness correspondent, her participation in reality shows like "Dancing with the Stars", and her role as co-host of "American Gladiators" provided her with additional income streams. Ali has also authored books and produced workout videos, which have been successful commercially. Collectively, these ventures have helped Laila Ali cultivate an estimated net worth that ranges in the millions, reflecting her multifaceted career and her status as a trailblazer in women's sports.