‘I Never Went Into My Sport Thinking That I’m a Woman’: Despite Father Muhammad Ali & Others Not Wanting Her to Box, Laila Ali Revealed How She Found Her Reins in ‘Male Dominated’ Sport

The sport of boxing has been predominantly a male-dominated sport. And one of the demigods of the sport was the boxing legend, Muhammad Ali. Rightfully nicknamed ‘The Greatest’, Ali has often awed audiences by being a testament to his iconic phrase, ‘float like a butterfly, sting like a bee’. Meanwhile, Ali’s daughter, Laila Ali, has also made quite a name for herself in the sport with her illustrious career, becoming a noteworthy tribute to her father’s legacy. In fact, she once spoke about finding her ground in this ‘male-dominated’ sport.

Ali attended the 18th Annual Design Care Gala in 2016. Notably, this was a charitable event that took place at Sugar Ray Leonard’s private estate in Pacific Palisades.

This was when Entertainment Scoop caught up with Ali. And asked her about her career.

Laila Ali makes her name in the ‘male-dominated’ sport

In conversation, the reporter asked Ali if she had any advice for aspiring women boxers. Ali responded by saying, “I think no matter what sport you’re in. You just need to be true to yourself. And work really hard in what it is that you do. It’s hard to deny people when they’re at the top of their game. When you know, you’re putting in just as much hard work as everybody else.”

She further opened up about venturing into the sport of boxing. She said, “I never went into my sport thinking that I’m a woman. And I’m going into a male-dominated sport. Or I’m Muhammad Ali’s daughter. I thought, you know, I want to be the best. Period.”

READ MORE – ‘We Are Divorced Now’: Not Only Muhammad Ali, Daughter Laila Ali’s Ex-Husband & Then-Boyfriend Also ‘Never Really Liked’ Her Doing Boxing

Ali also mentioned that she only focused on becoming better as a boxer.

Muhammad Ali did not want his daughter to box

‘The Greatest’ may have been one of the most iconic names in the sport of boxing. However, it seems like he did not wish to see his daughter take up the sport that he loved.

He even asked his daughter not to fight, as he believed that boxing was ‘not for women’. But his opinion quickly changed after he witnessed her fight for the first time. And was also happy to admit that he was wrong.

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What are your thoughts about Laila Ali’s statement? Do let us know in the comments below.