After over two decades, boxing legend Bash Ali is making a comeback. The former world cruiserweight champion returns to the ring tonight in Lagos.
His comeback fight is against Prince Bob Alagoro. This bout headlines the “Legendary Ring Return” event. It takes place tonight at Shalom Park & Events Centre in Igando. The venue is directly opposite the General Hospital.
Bash Ali is now 69 years old. He last fought professionally in 2004. Despite the long break, his confidence remains unshaken.
Ali made a bold promise to Punch newspaper. “The fight will not last more than one round,” he stated. “One round means three minutes. If it exceeds that, I will retire from boxing forever.”
Ali also dismissed any surprise from Alagoro. He mentioned an old sparring session. Ali claims he let Alagoro win that day. This gave his opponent false hope. The iconic boxer declared, “He believes he can beat me. We sparred years ago, and I allowed him to win. Now he thinks he can win. But he is simply too old to face me in the ring.”
An Exciting Lineup of Local Talent
The fight card features many notable local boxers. These include Idris Hamza and Segun “War” Adeyemi. Also fighting are Williams “Kaki Fire” Amosu and Sodiq “Golden Boy” Oyakojo. Other names are Kabiru Ashiru, Ekenne Richard Usoni, and Ibrahim Olajibu. Don King Essien will also step into the ring. New Era Boxing Promotions coordinates this 12-bout lineup.
A major highlight is the national middleweight challenge. Idris Hamza will face Lawal Faruk. In the bantamweight division, Opeyemi Ibraheem takes on Akeem Muri. Lucky Oyinbu battles Sahid Sodiq in a lightweight contest.
Brigadier-General Idowu Akinlawon (rtd) leads New Era Promotions. He stated that the main event is a highly anticipated match. Boxing fans have been eager to witness it.
He added, “The Bash Ali versus Prince Bob Alagoro fight is the main attraction. It is the highlight of a night boxing fans across Nigeria have long awaited.” The excitement extends beyond our borders.
Board Approval and Professional Growth
The Nigerian Boxing Board of Control approved the event. Secretary General Olu Aboderin confirmed the board’s support. He noted the show offers a chance to boost professionalism. It also deepens boxing’s growth in Nigeria.
Ali’s return follows another significant comeback. Nigerian heavyweight legend Ike “The President” Ibeabuchi returned in August. He stopped Idris Afinni in the third round. Ibeabuchi was 52 at the time.
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