What do you think?
Rate this book
Not Without a Fight: Ten Steps to Becoming Your Own Champion
Brought to you by Penguin.
Ramla Ali is a triple threat - humanitarian, model and boxer. Her life inside and outside the ring represents her ruthless refusal to quit and passion to fight for what she believes in.
In her first book, Ramla details ten key fights - a combination of life's constant challenges and real bouts she's endured both in and outside of the ring - that have shaped her remarkable rise to date.
From her arrival in England as a refugee to being drawn to the energy and spirit of her first boxercise class; from the adrenaline of her first amateur fights to how she often powered on alone, searching for a community of women like her, and her biggest win of letting love into her life.
Each relatable lesson is packed full of honesty and urgency, powering the reader on to become their own champion.
Ramla Ali is a triple threat - humanitarian, model and boxer. Her life inside and outside the ring represents her ruthless refusal to quit and passion to fight for what she believes in.
In her first book, Ramla details ten key fights - a combination of life's constant challenges and real bouts she's endured both in and outside of the ring - that have shaped her remarkable rise to date.
From her arrival in England as a refugee to being drawn to the energy and spirit of her first boxercise class; from the adrenaline of her first amateur fights to how she often powered on alone, searching for a community of women like her, and her biggest win of letting love into her life.
Each relatable lesson is packed full of honesty and urgency, powering the reader on to become their own champion.
- GenresMemoir
Audible Audio
Published September 23, 2021
1 person is currently reading
49 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 11, 2024
“Champions are made in the toughest of moments”
This was such an inspiring autobiography, and as someone who also does boxing as a hobby I really related to Ramla’s experiences especially during childhood.
I appreciate how Ramla discusses a wide range of topics from racism, Islamophobia, body dysmorphia and growing up in an ethnic household.
Will definitely read the paperback version!
(I listened to the audiobook)
This was such an inspiring autobiography, and as someone who also does boxing as a hobby I really related to Ramla’s experiences especially during childhood.
I appreciate how Ramla discusses a wide range of topics from racism, Islamophobia, body dysmorphia and growing up in an ethnic household.
Will definitely read the paperback version!
(I listened to the audiobook)
November 19, 2021
"To me, being a champion is about each of a season our unique position in the world to make it a better place."
I wasn't sure of what to expect going into this book, I knew a little of Ramla's story, not a vast amount, enough to know who she was and what she did, but not the intricate details that make up her true story.
'Not Without A Fight" is broken down into 10 rounds (chapters) where we are gifted the privilege at looking at Ramla's past; Her life as a refugee; Her life as a bullied teenager; And the pivotal moment that marked her boxing career. Life is not life without its challenges and Ramla openly discusses her challenges with; Her weigh; Her culture; Her religion; And ultimately her families (especially her mum's) views on female boxing. It was open and honest and gave an indication of the strength Ramla possesses both in and outside of the ring. You have to possess a great deal of strength in this day and age to lay your truth out for all to see, issa cold world.
Each page within these rounds was a display of Ramla's heart being worn on her sleeve. Some parts made me so tearful, namely the treatment she recieved from her ex coach, but most of all I felt proud of her growth & her achievements.
If you're going into 'Not Without A Fight' blindly, believing that this book is merely about Ramla's boxing journey, I can confirm that it is NOT. Each of the lessons Ramla explores are easily translatable to an array of life experiences. I think that is why the book resonated with me so well, because it is applicable to life outside of the ring.
If you are on the hunt for inspiration and words of wisdom, this book may be for you. I ended this read feeling inspired and filled with belief that your past does not determine your future. Life is undoubtedly one of the biggest fights we face everyday and it is important to persevere, don't give up, 'Not Without A Fight'.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I wasn't sure of what to expect going into this book, I knew a little of Ramla's story, not a vast amount, enough to know who she was and what she did, but not the intricate details that make up her true story.
'Not Without A Fight" is broken down into 10 rounds (chapters) where we are gifted the privilege at looking at Ramla's past; Her life as a refugee; Her life as a bullied teenager; And the pivotal moment that marked her boxing career. Life is not life without its challenges and Ramla openly discusses her challenges with; Her weigh; Her culture; Her religion; And ultimately her families (especially her mum's) views on female boxing. It was open and honest and gave an indication of the strength Ramla possesses both in and outside of the ring. You have to possess a great deal of strength in this day and age to lay your truth out for all to see, issa cold world.
Each page within these rounds was a display of Ramla's heart being worn on her sleeve. Some parts made me so tearful, namely the treatment she recieved from her ex coach, but most of all I felt proud of her growth & her achievements.
If you're going into 'Not Without A Fight' blindly, believing that this book is merely about Ramla's boxing journey, I can confirm that it is NOT. Each of the lessons Ramla explores are easily translatable to an array of life experiences. I think that is why the book resonated with me so well, because it is applicable to life outside of the ring.
If you are on the hunt for inspiration and words of wisdom, this book may be for you. I ended this read feeling inspired and filled with belief that your past does not determine your future. Life is undoubtedly one of the biggest fights we face everyday and it is important to persevere, don't give up, 'Not Without A Fight'.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
November 21, 2022
It motivated me to do more sport and be a better champion for others' causes. Good autobiographical format, with tips and advice at the end of each chapter. Thanks for sharing your story Ramla! Great to read another Merky books book too.
November 8, 2024
Admired the tenacity of Ramla, to go for what makes HER happy, even against the odds & family.
To be a role model for other girls, show what they also can achieve, to be defined by their self beliefs, not by what is expected of them.
Would be great if more girls could read this, to inspire them.
To be a role model for other girls, show what they also can achieve, to be defined by their self beliefs, not by what is expected of them.
Would be great if more girls could read this, to inspire them.
October 20, 2021
I've just read this amazing book, am going to give a copy to my girlfriends, makes a great, stimulating Christmas present!
February 13, 2022
Well written book nd very honest story. Some good lessons to be learned especially for the younger girls
February 24, 2022
I really enjoyed the first part of the book with her growing up in a tight knit family who'd fled Somalia as refugees to the UK.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews