adidas and Laila Ali Enter into Multi-Year Partnership

September 18, 2003, Portland, Oregon - adidas and IBA super middleweight champion Laila Ali have entered into a multi-year marketing partnership. Coming off her fourth round knock-out of Christy Martin last month, Ali is the reigning International Boxing Association super middleweight champion with a record of 16 - 0, 13 KO's. She also holds the WIBA and IWBF titles.

"It is very exciting to have such a powerful and talented female athlete as part of the adidas brand," said Erich Stamminger, adidas-Salomon Executive Board Member responsible for Global Marketing. "Laila is an inspiration to women and all athletes that aspire to break new ground."

"This deal is a testament to the widespread popularity and appeal of Laila," said Christian Borges, president of UrbanAdvertainment and Laila Ali's marketing agent for the deal. "In looking for a footwear and apparel strategic partner, we wanted a company that not only had a tradition of creating superior, technologically advanced products, but shared our vision and commitment to Laila."

adidas' rich history in the sport of boxing, including that of her world champion father Muhammad Ali, makes this partnership a perfect fit. adidas has always been dedicated to supporting the sport of boxing at every level. This support begins with our long-standing partnership with boxing federations like the US, Russia, Germany, Great Britain and Cuba at the amateur level, and has grown through this partnership with Laila at the professional level. She will appear in adidas integrated marketing initiatives throughout 2005 and act as an adidas spokesperson for women's training.

"I am very excited and proud to be aligned with a brand that is a part of boxing's great history and continues to support boxing's future, and athletes that are committed to achieving their personal best through sports," said Laila.