Ramla Ali Challenges for First World Title Against Yamileth Mercado in Arizona
This Saturday, Ramla Ali, the 2020 Somalian Olympian, will challenge for her first world title at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, where she faces off against WBC junior featherweight champion Yamileth Mercado.
The 34-year-old Ali (9-1, 2 KOs) acknowledged the geographic proximity of Arizona to Mercado’s native Mexico. Mercado (23-3, 5 KOs), 26, has suffered only one defeat in the past five years, at the hands of the formidable Amanda Serrano. This bout represents a pivotal moment in Ali’s budding professional career.
“Ideally, I had wanted the bout in London,” chuckled Ali, keenly aware of the inherent home-field advantage Mercado holds. The Somalian challenger emphasized the minimal travel required for the Mexican champion compared to her own transatlantic journey to Arizona. Additionally, Ali enters the ring as a two-to-one underdog, a fact she addressed at the pre-fight press conference, also citing the wisdom of Muhammad Ali: “He who is not courageous will achieve nothing in life.”
“It’s alright that it’s here in Arizona, essentially in the backyard of the world champion,” Ali remarked. “I feel like I flourish under those kinds of pressures.”
A year ago, Ali suffered a knockout defeat against Julissa Alejandra Guzman, but she bounced back to avenge that loss in November in Monte Carlo. Despite her impressive comeback story, Ali prefers not to dwell on the past.
“People love to talk about that defeat,” Ali said. “We’ve moved beyond it. I showed everyone that the first time was just luck. The second time, I proved I was the better boxer, and I feel on Saturday, I am going to do the same again.”
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