LOS ANGELES--She has yet to throw a professional punch. She doesn't have a promoter. She has no proven skills.

And yet, she is drawing attention in the fledgling world of women's boxing because of her last name: Ali.

Laila Ali, the second-youngest of Muhammad Ali's nine children and his youngest daughter, is working out daily and might be ready for her first pro fight this summer.

The 21-year-old approached her father late last month to inform him she planned to follow in his footsteps.

"Well, Daddy," she said, according to The New York Times, "I want to tell you I'm going into professional boxing, and I love you, and I want your support, and I want to tell you that even if I don't have your support, I'm going to do it anyway."