NOW HEAR THIS Africans in general Nigeria in particular and people all over the world. ” The Champ ” Bash Ali, world champion made in the United States of America.

ByNewstime Admin

Bash Ali: Nigeria’s Trailblazer in the Boxing Ring

Born on 28 February 1956 in Lagos, Bashiru Ali—better known as Bash Ali—stands out as one of Nigeria’s most determined and gifted boxers. His sporting journey began in the early 1970s as a wrestler before relocating to the United States for studies, where his passion for boxing was ignited.

Remarkably, Bash Ali had no amateur boxing career, yet through sheer determination and natural talent, he rose to prominence as a Cruiserweight contender, celebrated for his technical skill, agility, and ring intelligence.

Over the course of his professional career, Ali challenged for world titles on three occasions, facing some of the sport’s toughest champions: Carlos De León (WBC), Bobby Czyz (WBA), and Ralf Rocchigiani (WBO). Though victory eluded him in those bouts, his resilience earned him respect worldwide.

His crowning moment came on 11 August 2000 when he captured the World Boxing Federation (WBF) Cruiserweight title by defeating Terry Ray. Four years later, he defended the belt successfully against Tony Booth. Earlier in his career, he also held the USBA Cruiserweight title, with a notable victory over Jesse Burnett.

Bash Ali’s story is one of perseverance and grit—proving that greatness can be achieved even without the traditional path of an amateur foundation. He remains a trailblazer who opened doors for Nigerian boxers on the international stage, leaving behind a legacy that inspires generations to dream beyond limitations.