Laila Ali Expecting First Child

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- She's been a boxing champ, a "Dancing With the Stars" third place runner-up and she stands tall as the co-host of NBC's "American Gladiators," but Laila Ali's life is taking a new turn with news she is going to be a mother for the first time.

Laila made the announcement that she and former NFL star husband Curtis Conway are expecting to Essence magazine.

[ Dish Of Salt: Laila Ali 'DWTS' - Play it Now ]

"I don't know yet if we are having a boy or a girl, but I'm excited that I have a life inside me that my husband and I created," Ali told Essence's May issue.

The baby - due this fall, will be Laila's first child and Curtis' fourth. He already has three children - sons Kelton and Cameron, both 13, and nine-year-old daughter, Leilani.

[ Dancing With The Stars 4 - Check Out the Photos ]

Laila married Curtis last summer in California. She told Essence the union has provided her great comfort.

"I am 100 percent undeniably happy," Ali said to Essence. "I've never been able to say that before."

[ All Access: Pregnancies - Celebrities - TV One ]