Laila wins in first minute
2007-02-03 23:46
Johannesburg - Laila Ali successfully defended her WBC and WIBA world titles on Saturday, knocking out Gwendolyn O'Neil in the first minute of the first round of their scheduled 10-round super middleweight fight.
Ali, the undefeated daughter of legendary former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, headlined the first-ever women's professional boxing bout in South Africa.
"I have my cell phone back in the dressing room, and I will be giving my father a call," she said.
It took just two stiff straight rights from Ali before English referee Ian John Lewis counted out the challenger from Guyana.
Ali apologised to fans - including former South African president Nelson Mandela - for the brevity of the fight.
"I would have liked to have shown the fans a few more rounds, but, hey, I'm happy with the KO," she said.
However, Ali took a punch to her left eye in early exchanges and was unable to see out of it.
"I was glad to land that first right and have a chance to let it clear," she said.
O'Neil was dumped on her back by that right, and took a mandatory eight-count before continuing.
However, she was clearly stunned and it was a matter of time before the second straight right landed.
O'Neil struggled to her feet but was counted out as she struggled to stay upright.
Ali battled to make the 76.20kg weight limit at Friday's weigh-in, managing to do so by just 2 grams (0.07 ounces) after stripping naked and weighing in behind a covering screen.
The win stretched her record to 24 victories and 21 knockouts.
"This will be my last fight for a while," said Ali, when asked about rumoured plans to have a child.
- AP