Bash Ali Returns To Boxing After 21 Years, Promises First-Round Knockout In Lagos

After more than two decades away from professional boxing, former world cruiserweight champion Bash Ali is set to step back under the lights tonight in Lagos.

His comeback bout against Prince Bob Alagoro headlines the “Legendary Ring Return” event held at Shalom Park & Events Centre, directly opposite the General Hospital in Igando.

Bash Ali, now 69, has not fought since 2004, yet his confidence appears untouched by the years.

“The fight is not going to go over one round, which is three minutes. If it goes over one round, then I will retire from boxing and never fight again,” Ali told Punch.

He also dismissed talk that Alagoro might surprise him, referring to an old sparring session that he claims gave his opponent false hope. The iconic boxer said, “He thinks he can beat me because we sparred several years ago and I let him win, so he thinks he can beat me, but he is too old to share a ring with me.”

The comeback card features notable local fighters. Idris Hamza, Segun War Adeyemi, Williams Kaki Fire Amosu, Sodiq Golden Boy Oyakojo, Kabiru Ashiru, Ekenne Richard Usoni, Ibrahim Olajibu and Don King Essien are among those scheduled to fight across the 12-bout lineup coordinated by New Era Boxing Promotions.

One of the key attractions is the national middleweight challenge between Idris Hamza and Lawal Faruk. Opeyemi Ibraheem faces Akeem Muri in the bantamweight division, and Lucky Oyinbu meets Sahid Sodiq in a lightweight contest.

Brigadier-General Idowu Akinlawon (rtd), CEO of New Era Promotions, said the main event is what boxing fans have been waiting to see.

“The Bash Ali and Prince Bob Alagoro matchup will be the icing on the cake of a night boxing fans across Nigeria and beyond have been eagerly looking forward to,” he said.

The Nigerian Boxing Board of Control has approved the event. Secretary General Olu Aboderin expressed the board’s support and said the show is another opportunity to strengthen professionalism in the sport and deepen its growth in the country.

Ali’s return comes only months after another Nigerian heavyweight legend, Ike The President Ibeabuchi, made his own comeback in August, stopping Idris Afinni in the third round at age 52.