NIGERIA’s former world cruiserweight boxing champion, Bash Ali, is stepping back into the ring after more than two decades of retirement and he’s promising a knockout before the first bell fades.
News Point Nigeria’s Sport reports that now 69 years old, the fiery and outspoken Ali is set to face Prince Bob Alagoro in a headline bout dubbed “Legendary Ring Return”, scheduled for November 22, 2025, at Shalom Park & Events Centre, Igando, Lagos, opposite the General Hospital.
The event, promoted by New Era Promotions, will also feature a star-studded lineup of Nigerian boxing talents, including Idris Hamza, Segun “War” Adeyemi, Williams “Kaki Fire” Amosu, Sodiq “Golden Boy” Oyakojo, Kaniru Ashiru, Ekenne Richard Usoni, Ibrahim Olajibu, and Don King Essien.
Speaking ahead of his highly anticipated comeback, Ali issued a bold declaration that his opponent will not survive beyond the opening round.
“The fight is not going to go over one round, which is three minutes,” the 69-year-old declared confidently. “If it goes beyond one round, I’ll retire from boxing and never fight again.”
Known for his fiery personality and showmanship, Ali claimed that Alagoro’s confidence stemmed from an old sparring session where he deliberately held back.
“He thinks he can beat me because we sparred several years ago and I let him win,” Ali said. “But he’s too old to share the ring with me now. I’m coming to prove I’m still the king.”
Bash Ali’s last professional bout took place in 2004, marking an astonishing 21-year hiatus from competitive boxing. His return to the sport has sparked both excitement and skepticism within Nigeria’s boxing community, with many eager to see whether the veteran can still pack the power and endurance that once made him a global sensation.
During his career, Ali held the World Boxing Federation (WBF) Cruiserweight Title, earning international recognition as one of Nigeria’s greatest boxing exports. His comeback adds a nostalgic flair to the nation’s boxing scene, which has seen a revival in recent years.
Ali’s return follows the successful comeback of another Nigerian boxing great, Ike “The President” Ibeabuchi, who returned to the ring in August 2025 at the age of 52, knocking out Idris Afinni in the third round.
Observers say Ibeabuchi’s feat may have rekindled Ali’s fighting spirit, inspiring him to take one last shot at glory and perhaps silence doubters who believe his best days are long gone.
Beyond the main event, the “Legendary Ring Return” promises an electrifying undercard featuring some of Nigeria’s brightest boxing prospects. Promoters say the event is not just about Ali’s comeback, but about reigniting interest in local boxing and inspiring a new generation of fighters.
A spokesperson for New Era Promotions said preparations are already in top gear, with security, logistics, and crowd control measures being put in place for what is expected to be a sold-out spectacle.
For Ali, this fight is not just about winning, it’s about legacy. Over the years, he has remained one of Nigeria’s most vocal sports figures, campaigning for better funding for athletes and often clashing with sports authorities over unmet promises.
Now, at nearly 70, he’s looking to prove that age is just a number and that his fists still carry the force that once stunned the boxing world.