Laila by jab, or Eplion by overhand right? 👇
While there is no "new" fight between these two athletes, the name of Laila Ali has returned to sports headlines recently due to a potential comeback feud with current star Claressa Shields
was a classic pressure fighter. Shorter and less powerful, she made up for it with relentless aggression, a strong chin, and high work rate. Eplion was at her best when walking opponents down, throwing combinations to the body and head, and forcing inside exchanges. She lacked elite one-punch power but wore opponents down with volume. Her losses came against top-tier fighters (including a close decision to Mahfood, who Ali stopped), showing she was durable and competitive at the highest level.
In the annals of women’s boxing, the name Laila Ali stands as a colossus. The daughter of "The Greatest," Muhammad Ali, she carved her own legacy with a perfect 24-0 record and 21 knockouts. However, for every dominant champion, there is a "what if" opponent. For Ali, one of the most intriguing and controversial "what ifs" involves the tough, brash, and powerful Nikki Eplion.
For years, only grainy highlight reels existed. Recently, a remastered full fight broadcast has surfaced on niche boxing archives, giving fans a on the violence.
The climax of the fight came in the fourth round. Ali pinned Eplion against the ropes and unleashed a devastating flurry of punches. A clean right hand staggered Eplion, followed by a series of unanswered hooks that prompted the referee to step in and halt the contest. Laila Ali was declared the winner by Technical Knockout (TKO), becoming the first-ever IBA Women’s Super Middleweight Champion.