TV Tattler: Celebrity Interviews

Laila Ali Waltzes Into Latest Role as 'Dancing' Queen

Already a Knockout in the Ring, Now a Knockout on This Season's 'Dancing With the Stars'

Related Links Is Laila Your Favorite? 'Dancing' Episode Recaps Where Are the 'Dancing' Stars Now? Laila Ali's Official Site

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Do you think, as an athlete, you have an advantage in the competition?
I wouldn't necessarily say I have a big advantage. The main advantage of being an athlete is that we're used to working hard, we're used to taking criticism and taking instruction. While we're learning I don't have to worry about getting tired, having to sit down, it's more a mental issue. I think Joey [Fatone] has the biggest advantage. He can dance, he's used to coming up with routines, he can go out there and be comfortable. He knows what people want to see, so he has the biggest advantage over anybody.

Joey did that 'Star Wars' dance. What did you think of it?
I think Joey always wants to be a showman. He's kind of silly and he likes to have fun. He likes to bring that into the dances. I don't know what the votes are; some people might think it's silly and not like it. I think showmanship is very important. You only have a minute-and-a-half to do your routine, and it's about coming with something new and fresh and he's definitely been doing that.

Your fiancé, former NFL player Curtis Conway, was on the show last week and he was joking about keeping you and Maksim apart. What is his reaction to you being on the show?
Curtis, my fiancé, is having a fun time watching me dance. He doesn't really like me boxing, he'll be happy when I'm done. So he's glad that people get to see the fun side to me and get to see the side that he sees all the time outside of boxing. He wants me to win the competition. He gives me an honest opinion, and if he thinks that it wasn't up to my full potential he'll let me know. It's great.

Are you guys going to do a tango at your wedding?
We're deciding that now. Whatever we do, we're going to have to take some lessons because people are going to expect us to put on a performance at our wedding.

Will you keep dancing after the show is over?
No, I won't. I'm not a dancer. All I know is what Max teaches me. People are like, "Well at least you'll know how to fox trot." But I only know that one routine and once we move on to the next dance, it's kind of erased out of my mind.

What is your plan after the show? Do you plan to continue boxing?
Right now, I'm looking into different charities I can get involved with. I'm really trying to develop myself in the lifestyle and fitness world. I just shot a boxing cardio workout DVD with Sugar Ray Leonard, which is in stores now. That will be the start of going into that whole lifestyle and fitness arena because that's what I'm interested in, that's what I know. People always ask if I want to act. I'm just not into the celebrity acting thing. I really respect the craft of acting and it's not really my high point. Right now, it's just not my focus.

Do you think that people recognize you more thanks to the show?
Definitely. There are 23 million people watching 'Dancing with the Stars' every week. That's way more people than have ever watched me fight. I have a limited audience in comparison to 'Dancing with the Stars' in female boxing. A lot of people are seeing me for the first time. It would probably to imagine me actually fighting now; they know me as Laila on 'Dancing with the Stars.' It's cool though. It's great and it's going to work out for the better because people are seeing me in a different light.