Lagos ring return delights Bash Ali

Former world cruiserweight boxing champion Bash Ali has expressed delight at his return to the ring after 21 years, saying he is still fit enough to compete at 69.

The boxing legend faced Prince Bob Alagoro in an exhibition stamina test that lasted 30 minutes at Shalom Park & Events Centre, opposite General Hospital, Igando, Lagos, on Saturday.

No winner was announced as the bout was not an actual fight.

“It was great to be back in the ring facing another man. I am still fit and can still last 30 minutes in the ring, which many my age can’t do. I still love boxing,” Ali told PUNCH Sports Extra.

The 69-year-old, who last fought professionally in 2004, added that the exhibition allowed younger fans to see him in action.

“Yes, it was a stamina test, but for the younger generation who didn’t get to see me in the ring during my younger days, now they have seen Bash Ali in the ring,” he said.

The 12-bout event, promoted by New Era Boxing Promotions and sanctioned by the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, featured several Nigerian boxers, including Idris Hamza, Segun “War” Adeyemi, and Williams “Kaki Fire” Amosu.

Brigadier-General Idowu Akinlawon (rtd), CEO of New Era Promotions, described the Ali-Alagoro matchup as “the icing on the cake of a night boxing fans across Nigeria and beyond have been eagerly looking forward to.”

Ali’s return comes months after legendary heavyweight Ike “The President” Ibeabuchi successfully returned to the ring at age 52, knocking out Idris Afinni after three rounds in August.

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