Nikki Eplion technical knockout (TKO) in the fourth round on July 17, 2004
. The match, held at Prince George’s Stadium in Bowie, Maryland, saw Ali successfully defend her IBA World Female Super Middleweight title Fight Summary
The bout was the headline event of "The Main Event," which marked the first boxing matches hosted by the Bowie Baysox
. Despite weather delays that pushed the start time to 9:36 p.m., more than 7,000 fans watched as Ali dominated the challenger. OurSports Central Knockdowns: Ali recorded four knockdowns during the fight. The referee halted the contest with 1:30 left in the fourth round
after Eplion was unable to keep up with Ali’s mobility and power. Performance:
While Eplion attempted an aggressive strategy using her left hand, Ali consistently landed lead rights and overpowered her. The Washington Post Tale of the Tape & Records (at time of fight) Nikki Eplion Record Before 16–0 (13 KOs) 13–1–2 167.25 lbs 167.25 lbs Winner (TKO 4) Record After 17–0 (14 KOs) 13–2–2 Post-Fight Career Impact Ali Batters Eplion, Wins by TKO In the Fourth Round
Date: April 9, 2026
Match: Laila Ali vs Nikki Eplion
Outcome: Nikki Eplion won by unanimous decision (10 rounds) — assumed rule set: professional women’s super middleweight (168 lb) — if a different weight/format is needed, specify.
Summary
Statistics (estimated)
Tactical analysis
Turning points
Post-fight implications
Recommendations (for each fighter)
Notes and assumptions
Related search suggestions (terms you might use next)
The matchup between Nikki Eplion , held on July 17, 2004, at Prince George's Stadium in Bowie, Maryland, remains a definitive example of Ali’s peak professional dominance . Ali retained her IBA world female super middleweight title
by securing a technical knockout (TKO) at 1:26 of the fourth round, improving her perfect record to 17-0. Fight Analysis and Performance
Ali’s performance was characterized by a deliberate, methodical approach rather than the flashy style associated with her father. The Washington Post Tactical Superiority:
While Eplion entered the ring confidently, claiming Ali would have no answer for her "big left hand," Ali neutralized this threat by walking past Eplion's punches and landing precise lead rights. The "Beat-Down":
Ali stalked Eplion throughout the four rounds, repeatedly trapping her in corners. She scored four knockdowns during the bout before the referee halted the contest. Post-Fight Reaction:
Ali described the victory plainly, stating, "I had to put the beat-down on her". Following the win, she famously celebrated by pretending to smoke a cigar in the ring. Women Boxing (WBAN) Career Context and Significance
This bout was part of a relentless 2004 campaign for Ali, representing the shortest layoff of her career at the time. The Washington Post Championship Legacy: The win successfully defended her , which she had originally won in 2002. Mainstream Visibility:
The fight was a co-featured event on a card that also included Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson’s WBO title defense, highlighting Ali's status as a primary draw in women's boxing. Undefeated Retirement:
This victory contributed to Ali’s eventually flawless retirement record of 24-0 with 21 knockouts , cementing her legacy as a standard-bearer for the sport. Women Boxing (WBAN) Match Information July 17, 2004 Prince George's Stadium, Bowie, MD Weight Class Super Middleweight Laila Ali wins by TKO (Round 4, 1:26) Title Stakes IBA World Female Super Middleweight Title Ali Record Post-Fight 17-0 (14 KOs) against Jacqui Frazier-Lyde?
Undefeated Dominance: Laila Ali's Fourth-Round Masterclass Against Nikki Eplion
In a career defined by carrying the weight of a legendary name while forging her own path, Laila Ali’s 2004 clash with Nikki Eplion
stands as a definitive moment of her prime. On July 17, 2004, at Prince George's Stadium in Bowie, Maryland, Ali proved that her deliberate, powerful style was as effective as it was relentless. The Matchup: Power vs. Resilience
Entering the ring at 167¼ lbs, Ali brought an unblemished 17-0 record and her IBA World Super Middleweight title to the defense. Her opponent, Nikki Eplion (12-1-2), entered with confidence, famously stating in the pre-fight press conference that she didn't think Ali would have an "answer for [her] big left hand". Round-by-Round Breakdown laila ali vs nikki eplion new
The fight began with Eplion attempting to live up to her promise, leading with aggressive left hands to disrupt Ali’s rhythm. However, Ali’s superior mobility and ring generalship quickly took over:
Rounds 1–2: Ali effectively neutralized Eplion's reach, walking past punches to land stiff lead rights and snapping jabs.
Round 3: The pressure intensified. Ali repeatedly trapped Eplion in corners, raining down heavy combinations that wore on the challenger.
Round 4: The end came at 1 minute and 26 seconds into the fourth round. After Ali knocked Eplion down for the fourth time in the match, referee Gary Camponeshi halted the bout to prevent further damage. Legacy of the Victory
Ali’s TKO victory wasn't just a successful title defense; it was a statement of intent. Post-fight, Ali famously remarked, "I had to put the beat-down on her," further cementing her reputation as a "true champ" who targeted every belt in the division.
This victory was part of an elite stretch for Ali, following her knockout of pioneer Christy Martin and preceding her championship wins in South Africa. She eventually retired in 2007 with a perfect 24-0 record.
The matchup between Laila Ali and Nikki Eplion is a historical contest that took place on July 17, 2004, at Prince George's Stadium in Bowie, Maryland. There has been no "new" fight between the two; Ali retired undefeated in 2007 with a 24-0 record. Fight Summary
Result: Laila Ali won by Technical Knockout (TKO) in the 4th round.
Title at Stake: Ali successfully defended her IBA Female World Super Middleweight title.
Performance: Ali dominated the bout, knocking Eplion down four times before the referee halted the fight with 1:30 (or 1:26 by some accounts) remaining in the fourth round.
Post-Fight: After the victory, Ali notably celebrated by pretending to smoke a cigar in the ring. Fighter Stats at Time of Bout Feature Nikki Eplion Record Entering Fight 17-0 (14 KOs) Hometown Los Angeles, California South Point, Ohio Status IBA Champion Challenger Legacy and Recent Context
While no new fight with Eplion exists, Laila Ali has remained a significant figure in combat sports discussions. As of early 2026, media attention has often focused on potential dream matches, such as a multi-million dollar return to face current champion Claressa Shields, though Ali remains retired. Nikki Eplion Biography - Women Boxing Archive Network
You're looking for information about a potential fight between Laila Ali and Nikki Epton (also known as Nikki Eclipse or Nikki Glaser, however I believe you are referring to Nikki Glaser's rival - Nikki Epton - an American comedian not related or known for fighting). However I believe you are referring to Laila Ali vs Michelle "The Belle" Eplion or more likely Laila Ali vs Nikki Glaser not Epton
Laila Ali is a former professional boxer who held the WBC, WIBA, and IWBF female super-middleweight titles. Nikki Eplion technical knockout (TKO) in the fourth
If you meant Laila Ali vs Nikki Glaser
Nikki Glaser is an American comedian and television host.
There hasn't been an announced fight between Laila Ali and Nikki Glaser or Eplion.
Would you like to know more about Laila Ali's boxing career or her past fights?
Here’s a detailed write-up for a hypothetical matchup between Laila Ali and Nikki Eplion — two powerful figures in the history of women’s boxing.
Entering the ring on a hot July night in Louisville, both fighters brought unblemished records. Laila Ali (14-0, 11 KOs) was riding a wave of momentum, having recently defeated Christy Martin in a high-profile bout that proved she could box under the bright lights. She was known for her speed, technical ability, and the "Ali" shuffle, combined with a heavy right hand.
Standing across from her was Nikki Eplion (10-0, 5 KOs), a tough contender from Logan, West Virginia. Eplion was considered a legitimate prospect. She was taller and physically imposing, and she had gained a reputation for being a brawler who wasn't afraid to exchange leather. While Ali was the heavy favorite, Eplion posed a statistical threat: she was undefeated and had never been knocked out, leading many to wonder if Ali could handle a bigger, stronger opponent.
By: Fight Sports Desk
Published: October 2023 (Updated for current search trends)
In the annals of women’s boxing, few names carry the weight of Laila Ali. The daughter of "The Greatest," Muhammad Ali, carved her own legend by retiring undefeated (24-0, 21 KOs). But for hardcore fight fans and new generations discovering her legacy via YouTube archives, one specific fight keeps surfacing with the search term: "Laila Ali vs Nikki Eplion New."
If you are looking for a new fight announcement—you won’t find one. However, if you are looking for a renewed appreciation of Ali’s savage final performance, the story of her 2007 demolition of Nikki Eplion is a masterclass in power punching. Here is the definitive deep dive into why this forgotten fight is finding "new" life today.
The first two rounds would likely see Eplion trying to close the distance, eating jabs and straight rights as she bulled forward. Ali would look to establish her jab from the outside, circling and landing sharp counters. Eplion’s pressure would force occasional exchanges on the ropes, where she’d land flurries to the body — but Ali’s uppercut and clinch would neutralize most inside work.
By rounds 3–5, Ali’s cleaner punching would begin to show. Her power would command respect, slowing Eplion’s forward march. A sharp left hook or overhand right would likely drop Eplion in round 4 or 5. Eplion, a warrior, would beat the count and continue pressing, but her face would show damage, and her output would decrease.
The middle rounds (6–8) would see Ali settle into a rhythm — boxing, moving, countering. Eplion would still have moments, especially when trapping Ali against the ropes, but she’d struggle to land clean, sustained offense. Ali’s superior reach and power would be the difference. Laila Ali vs Nikki Eplion — Match Report