Former IBF Cruiserweight champion, Bash Ali, has planned an imminent comeback to the world of boxing with a Guinness Book of World record worthy title fight tentatively fixed for the Saturday, 29th June 2019.
Ali has been away from active boxing for 12 years. However, the boxer has since been working on a plan to stage an iconic world title fight in Nigeria.
Recall that in September 2000, the Nigerian super puncher knocked out Terry Ray to become the IBF Cruiserweight champion. Ray requested a rematch, but Ali refused because he had received a better offer.
A long time coming
Since the Nigerian could not honor the fight agreement, Ali was stripped of the title by the governing body, however an enervating series of court processes saw Ali reinstated as the world champion.
The only way Ali can relinquish the title is in a boxing ring.
Since the incumbency of former president Olusegun Obasanjo in 2006, a title defense fight between Ali and a bigwig contender has been in the works.
Each administration after Obasanjo’s have each all had a plan to honor Ali’s wish for a world title fight in the country. Still, nothing was significantly done about this.
President Muhammadu Buhari took great steps to ensure the fight happens, but the sports ministry failed to pull its own weight behind the fighter due to the fractious relationship between Ali and the Minister of Youths and Sport, Solomon Dalung.
Thankfully, it would seem all has been settled and Nigerians will finally get to see the big fight this year.
This is great news, considering the amount in revenue Nigeria stands to gain and the global status of the fight.
Ali (60’s) vs ____ (20’s)
What are the odds that a 63-year old boxer, who has been out of the ring for 12 years, can take on and defeat an elite boxer in his twenties?
As much as Ali would hate to admit this, age has done a good number on the Nigerian hero. His speed, strength and stamina are not exactly what they used to be, neither is his body’s resistance to pain.
Featured image source: PM Express