Former World Boxing Federation cruiserweight champion, Bashiru Lawrence Ali, popularly known as Bash Ali, has opened up on his financial struggles over the years while trying to make history for Nigeria.
Bash Ali took to social media on his birthday on Tuesday afternoon to reveal how he went from ‘being a millionaire in dollars to a zeronaire in naira.”
He also shared the challenges he has been facing for 17 years in a bid to stage his Guinness World Record Boxing Championship fight in Nigeria, citing corruption as a major hindrance to his life-long dream.
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Bash Ali wrote on Facebook: “Today, Tuesday, February 27, is my birthday.
“For 17 years, I struggled in vain to host in my country, Nigeria, my Guinness World Record Boxing Championship Fight because I was bold to say no to corruption in sport in particular and in Nigeria in general.
“In 17 years, I went from being a millionaire in dollars to a zeronaire in naira.
“In 17 years, I was beaten and injured that I had to be admitted twice and treated at the National Hospital in Abuja.
“In 17 years, I was detained eight times at various police stations in Abuja. In 17 years, I was once detained at Kuje Prison for 43 days.
“I went through hell in my country not because I am a criminal but because I say no to corruption. Despite juicy offers to fight outside of Nigeria, I never gave up on my dream to fight in Nigeria and I never gave up on Nigeria.
Bash Ali also expressed his desire to become the President of Nigeria.
“Today, our dream is finally becoming a reality and because I am an extraordinary human being, I am going to fight until I am 70 years old, retire young and healthy with a lot of money and then go on to be the President of Nigeria. This is my ultimate goal so mark my words.
He concluded: “Thank you very much for always being by my side. I appreciate you, always. Happy birthday The Great Bash Ali.”
in 1985, Bash Ali made history as the first cruiserweight boxing champion from the African continent.
In 1985, Ali became the first cruiserweight boxing champion from Africa. His last fight was in 2004 when he knocked out Tony Booth in the fourth round.
Bash Ali won the California title, United States Boxing Association title, North America Boxing Federation title, World Boxing International twice.