Laila Ali Filmography and Television Appearances
Laila Ali has appeared in several feature films and television series that document her boxing career and public life. Her film credits include a supporting role in the 2008 sports drama Rocky Balboa, where she played herself opposite Sylvester Stallone. She also starred in the 2005 reality series Laila Ali: The Next Generation, which aired on the Fox network and documented her transition from athlete to public figure. In 2019, she appeared as a guest host on the ABC daytime talk show Strahan, Sara and Keke, discussing her career and family legacy. Ali has also participated in documentary programming, including the 2021 ESPN series The Last Dance, where she provided commentary on her father Muhammad Ali's rivalry with Joe Frazier. Her television work consistently focuses on sports, family, and personal branding. Forbes reports her estimated net worth at around $10 million as of 2023, driven largely by media appearances and business deals.
Ali's on-screen presence extends to reality competition formats and sports commentary roles. She appeared on the ABC hit Dancing with the Stars in 2007, finishing in fourth place with professional partner Dmitry Chaplin. In 2022, she served as a guest analyst for boxing coverage on Showtime, providing insights based on her own professional record of 24 wins and 0 losses. She has also made guest appearances on shows like Home Economics and Black-ish, typically playing versions of herself. Her TV work reinforces her status as a crossover personality who bridges sports, entertainment, and lifestyle media. IMDb lists her complete acting credits, including minor roles in action and sports films.
Professional Boxing Career and Championships
Record and Title Fights
Laila Ali turned professional in 1999 and retired in 2007 with an undefeated record of 24 wins, 0 losses, and 21 knockouts. She won the World Boxing Council (WBC) female super middleweight title in 2005 and successfully defended it multiple times. In 2006, she captured the World Boxing Association (WBA) female super middleweight championship by defeating Nikki Eplion. Ali also held the International Boxing Association (IBA) female light heavyweight title, further cementing her legacy in women's boxing. Her fights were broadcast on major networks and pay-per-view platforms, drawing significant viewership. BoxRec confirms her professional record and title lineage.
Notable Opponents and Milestones
Ali faced several ranked opponents during her career, including Valerie Mahfood, whom she defeated by TKO in 2002 to win the WBC title. Her 2003 bout against Cassandra Giger drew attention for its competitive intensity, though Ali won by unanimous decision. In 2004, she defeated Erin Toughill by knockout in the fourth round, a performance widely covered by sports media. Her final fight was a unanimous decision win over Gwendolyn O'Neil in 2007. Ali's undefeated streak and high knockout rate made her one of the most recognizable female athletes of her