Bash Ali makes historic return to the ring today

Former world cruiserweight champion Bash Ali steps back into the ring today—21 years after his last professional fight—as he takes on Prince Bob Alagoro in the headline bout of the “Legendary Ring Return” event at Shalom Park & Events Centre, opposite the General Hospital in Igando, Lagos.

The 69-year-old, who last fought in 2004, has vowed the contest will not exceed one round.

“The fight won’t go beyond the first round, which is three minutes. If it does, I will retire from boxing and never return,” he told Saturday PUNCH.

“He believes he can defeat me because we sparred years ago and I allowed him to win. He thinks that gives him an edge, but he is too old to be in the ring with me.”

The event will showcase several top Nigerian boxers, including Idris Hamza, Segun “War” Adeyemi, Williams “Kaki Fire” Amosu, Sodiq “Golden Boy” Oyakojo, Kabiru Ashiru, Ekenne Richard Usoni, Ibrahim Olajibu, and Don King Essien.

The 12-fight card, promoted by New Era Boxing Promotions, also features a national middleweight clash between Idris Hamza and Lawal Faruk, a bantamweight contest between Opeyemi Ibraheem and Akeem Muri, and a lightweight matchup between Lucky Oyinbu and Sahid Sodiq.

“The Bash Ali versus Prince Bob Alagoro fight will be the highlight of a night boxing fans across Nigeria and beyond have long anticipated,” said Brigadier-General Idowu Akinlawon (rtd), CEO of New Era Promotions.

The event is sanctioned by the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, whose Secretary General, Olu Aboderin, reaffirmed the board’s support and expressed optimism that the show will boost professionalism and the growth of boxing in the country.

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Ali’s comeback follows the successful return of heavyweight legend Ike “The President” Ibeabuchi, who at 52 knocked out Idris Afinni in the third round of his August fight.