Rising Star Laila Zakirova: From USA Boxing Ring to the Big Screen
When you think of a young boxer with grit, talent, and ambition, few match the drive of Laila Zakirova. The Staten Island native, currently part of the USA Boxing Youth High Performance team, is making headlines not only for her skills in the ring but also for her surprising leap into acting.
For two years, Zakirova has stood out among America’s top youth amateur boxers. Now, as she eyes a move to the Elite division, she’s adding another title to her resume: actress. In 2024 she was cast in a film project called Raging Doll, a satirical comedy weaving boxing and personal struggle. In it, Zakirova plays “Smoke,” a young champion boxer whose story mirrors her real‑life journey of training, wins, and dedication.
“For me, it was really easy to get into character because I did kind of relate to her,” Zakirova said. She noted that her real amateur national titles and fighting spirit helped her step naturally into the role.
From Ring to Role — An Amateur Star’s Transition
Zakirova isn’t just another athlete trying acting on a whim. She is a decorated amateur boxer. In 2024, she earned a bronze medal at the inaugural 2024 World Boxing U19 Championships, a milestone for any youth boxer. Her weight class is 51 kg, and she’s listed under the gym Bars Boxing Gym, run by her father, coach Akmoljan Zakirov.
As part of her growth as a boxer, Zakirova also represented the U.S. at recent international tournaments. Her commitment speaks louder than words, balancing rigorous training with the demands of film, school, and travel. In the last 12 months, she earned her high school diploma, trained for competition, and took on an acting role that required her to physically and mentally draw on her boxing experience.
Why “Raging Doll” Matters More Than a Cameo
To Zakirova, the acting isn’t a side hustle, it’s a platform to amplify women’s boxing and share the hard work behind the gloves. In “Raging Doll,” her character is a champion boxer confronting personal and social challenges, reflecting the real struggle faced by many female fighters.
“I saw this as a great way to promote women’s boxing … to show the world we really are fearless and unstoppable and a force to be reckoned with.”
Her words tie back to what The Heavyweight Factory stands for, real passion, real discipline, real opportunity.
The film has already met some early success: “Raging Doll” has been screened at multiple film festivals throughout 2024 and 2025, including a premiere at the Bowery Film Festival scheduled for December 11.
Eyes on 2025: National Championships & Olympic Dream
Despite the spotlight of film, Zakirova remains focused on boxing. The 2025 USA Boxing National Championships will be held December 6–13 in Lubbock, Texas, and she’s entered.
Zakirova plans to compete in the women’s 51 kg division, now as she transitions into the Elite level. A top‑two finish would likely earn her a spot in the 2026 Elite High Performance selection camp, a clear step toward representing the U.S. at future World Championships or even aiming for the 2028 Olympics.
She knows the path won’t be easy. But she also knows that boxing , and now acting, has taught her resilience.
Balancing Dual Dreams — Discipline, Support, and Heart
Managing boxing training, film production, international travel, and education is no small feat. Zakirova credits her family for holding it all together. Her father’s gym, Bars Boxing Gym, provided the foundation. Her mother’s support during casting, filming, and premiere events was crucial. Those roots helped her stay grounded. And when the spotlight hits, be it arena lights or camera lights, she’s ready.
What Her Story Means for the Future of Women’s Boxing
Laila Zakirova stands at a unique intersection of sport, media, and ambition. Her journey shows that boxing today is not just about gloves and belts, it’s about identity, inspiration, and opportunity.
Her success in the ring, coupled with her early success in acting, can inspire young girls and athletes everywhere to believe that boxing isn’t just a sport, it’s a platform.
If “Raging Doll” reaches wider audiences, it could help reshape public perception around women’s boxing. It might encourage promoters, sponsors, and media to invest more in female fighters. And for anyone wondering if boxing discipline translates outside the ring, Zakirova just offered the answer.
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