Laila


It is a complete coincidence that Laila Ali clenches her fist here at the thumbnail (click back), though it is also very appropriate.

Terryhowcott.com will always toot the horn of women who knock those confining, constricting, taxing, narrowing, oppressive, depressive, cramping, crowding, tyrannical walls of "tradition" down that they and we all might be our whole selves. If it weren't for women and men too, who did just that - we would have ever worse conditions. Women in particular wouldn't be able to write freely, vote, be employed, drive a car or a bus (as did trailblazer Alma Collins), be a Congresswoman, play the bass or the drums, have health care and other benefits for those of us who do. For those who can legally marry and get those great benefits, and there are a substantial number of us who can not - there would be no marrying a person of your choosing, and no Family Medical Leave Act. No more Blue Jeans and Khakis not even for the most adamant skirt haters. None of that Fire Fighter mess either.

There would be no union representation, no Head Start and no Day Care. Even as city Mayors and Administrators work to weaken public schools to force a Charter School devolution, there would be no public education by now . . . and we could go on and on.

Keep in mind, Laila Ali doesn't endorse the idea of women going into the ring. She encourages young women to follow their dreams no matter what, but if she had her druthers she would push them in a different direction from what she describes as a "dangerous sport."


One interesting tidbit is that Laila Ali, employs men as sparring partners to help her prepare for her bouts including her upcoming one with Gwendolyn O'Neill in Johannesburg (February 3, 2007). Also interesting is one of her trainers' name is Cassius.


NOTE: Laila Ali won her bout against Gwen O'Neill - who she knocked out in their first fight in the third round - in 56 seconds. Another irony: Gwen O'Neill's husband was one of those sparring partners working in Laila Ali's camp. Must have been a pretty quiet night for them.

Ali said after the fight she was sorry she couldn't give her fans a few more rounds, but was also "glad she didn't have to seriously hurt anyone."
Must be in the genes.

Rumors flew at ringside after a large cream wing-back chair was placed there before the fight. It was for a surprise visit from President Nelson Mandela who was quoted to have said in part, "it is good to see women challenging men's roles."

Meantime, post fight comments included that from Gwendolyn O'Neil who prayed out loud, "I thank God I'm alive."


Laila Ali says this is her last fight for a while as she and her fiance, are planning to have a baby soon.

Here directly below is the very talented Gail Noble - a fan of Laila Ali's whose striking advertisement for Laila Ali Merchandise is indicative of a very bright future.

Listen here:

GAIL NOBLE'S ADVERTISING









For those who haven't seen it, this is a superimposed video of
Laila Ali vs her Dad, in which she (jestfully) appears to be ahead.











This is Laila in a workout showin' some skills at Grand Central Station.

Lailah who clearly (and would naturally) like the camera very much.












VICTOIRE TERMINUS
France

Determined, street-wise female boxers in Kinshasa struggle to mount a tournament while a fight for the presidency of the Congo rages.