After 21 years away from professional boxing, former world cruiserweight champion Bash Ali steps back into the ring today to face Prince Bob Alagoro in the main event of “Legendary Ring Return” at Shalom Park & Events Centre, opposite General Hospital in Igando, Lagos.
Now 69, Ali last fought professionally in 2004 but insists the highly anticipated bout will not last beyond a single round. “The fight will not go over one round, which is three minutes. If it does, I will retire from boxing for good,” he said in an exclusive statement to Zoyols Blog. He added that Alagoro’s confidence stems from a sparring session years ago where Ali allowed him a win, but he believes age and experience give him the edge tonight.
The event will showcase some of Nigeria’s top boxing talents, 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 night will feature a total of 12 bouts, highlighted by a national middleweight clash between Idris Hamza and Lawal Faruk, a bantamweight contest pitting Opeyemi Ibraheem against Akeem Muri, and a lightweight showdown between Lucky Oyinbu and Sahid Sodiq.
“The matchup between Bash Ali and Prince Bob Alagoro is the highlight of a night boxing fans have been eagerly waiting for across Nigeria and beyond,” said Brigadier-General Idowu Akinlawon (rtd), CEO of New Era Promotions, which is promoting the event.
The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control has officially sanctioned the event, with Secretary General Olu Aboderin expressing confidence that the show will further elevate the professionalism and growth of boxing in the country.
Ali’s comeback mirrors a recent trend of legendary fighters returning to the ring, including heavyweight icon Ike “The President” Ibeabuchi, who at 52 knocked out Idris Afinni after three rounds in August. Tonight, all eyes will be on Bash Ali as he aims to make history once again.
