Laila Ali - Brief Article - Interview

Interview, Sept, 2000 by Juan Martin

JM: Well the word is "tomatoes," and what they say is that you've been fighting tomato cans.

LA: This is the route you take when your management has high expectations for you. Same thing for Mike, same thing for Oscar. You're not gonna be stupid and have tough fights and get beat in the head when you're not getting paid. You save the tough fights for the titles. Anybody who doesn't know that doesn't have good management.

JM: So what's your five-year plan? Win the title, quit, and ...

LA: Have babies. [both laugh]

JM: How is it to have the man in your life literally in your corner?

LA: It has its ups and downs.

JM: Does the professional relationship ever spill into the personal relationship?

LA: No, not really. We have a good balance, we're best friends and that's really what it takes.

JM: And you're getting married?

LA: Yes.

JM: When?

LA: That's private. I don't want a bunch of extra people showing up at my wedding.

JM: Is there money in women's boxing?

LA: Well, it just depends on who you are and what type of marketability you have. There's money available to anybody who can sell tickets.

JM: And endorsements?

LA: BUM Equipment and Dr. Pepper, right now.

JM: How long until you can get to the title?

LA: I can't answer that question. I don't know. I'm sure it wouldn't be for at least another year.

JM: Who do you consider the best woman out there besides yourself?

LA: First of all, I don't consider myself the best, so I wouldn't say "besides me." There're a lot of women fighting out there, I really don't consider anybody to be the greatest.

Puerto Rico--based Juan Martin writes about culture and boxing.