Charley Hull, competing at the 2025 AIG Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl Golf Course, shared insights into her favourite sporting hero before teeing off on July 31. Highlighting her admiration for figures beyond golf, Hull revealed that boxing legend Muhammad Ali has inspired her deeply.

Speaking with Sky Sports Golf just prior to the tournament’s start, the English professional reflected on memorable moments in her career and discussed the athletes who influenced her most. When asked about her childhood sporting heroes, she named Muhammad Ali, widely regarded as one of boxing’s greatest champions, noting his remarkable record of 56 wins, including 37 knockouts.

Charley Hull stated:

“My first sporting hero would be Muhammad Ali.”

Although Hull is best known for her success on the LPGA Tour, her passion for combat sports runs strong. She previously was married to MMA fighter Ozzie Smith before their divorce in 2021. More recently, Hull was seen among the audience at a high-profile boxing match between former Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury and MMA veteran Francis Ngannou.

Her interest in boxing was also showcased during a playful video from the AIG Women’s Open, where Olympic Gold Medalist Kellie Anne Harrington gifted her boxing equipment. Harrington coached Hull in shadow-boxing right on the golf course, bringing a lighthearted moment to the event. Reflecting on the experience, Hull remarked:

“Oh yeah, these bad boys. Should I put them on now? I can’t [shadow box].”

The two athletes clearly enjoyed the interaction, with Hull laughing as she tried on the gear.

Charley Hull’s Encounter With a Prestigious Boxing Champion at Royal Porthcawl

During the Women’s Open, Charley Hull had the opportunity to meet Lauren Price, the unified Welterweight Boxing Champion from Wales. At Royal Porthcawl Golf Course, Price presented Hull with boxing gloves and exchanged friendly remarks about their respective sports.

In a message shared by the AIG Women’s Open website, Price expressed admiration for Hull:

“I’ve followed Charley for a few years now and we both went to the Paris Olympics, but it was great to finally meet her in person. She’s a character! We had a great day together and I look forward to supporting her in the summer.”

The meeting offered a unique exchange between two sporting superstars. Price put Hull through some boxing drills to test her stamina, while Hull taught Price proper golf swing techniques. This mutual sharing highlighted the respect and camaraderie between athletes from different disciplines.

Charley Hull’s enthusiasm for boxing, alongside her golfing career, reflects a broad athletic spirit that resonates with her favourite sporting hero, Muhammad Ali, known for his skill, determination, and larger-than-life personality.

The connections Hull is building across sports carry significance beyond individual achievements, fostering inspiration and support for women in traditionally male-dominated arenas. As the 2025 AIG Women’s Open continues, Hull’s story underlines the power of athletic role models and cross-sport friendships.