Former World Boxing Federation cruiserweight champion Bashiru Lawrence Ali, fondly known as Bash Ali, bared his soul about a 17-year struggle that saw him transition "from being a millionaire in dollars to a zeronaire in naira." The post provides a glimpse into Ali's unwavering dedication to hosting his Guinness World Record Boxing Championship fight in Nigeria while standing firm against corruption.
For nearly two decades, Ali battled against formidable challenges, steadfastly refusing to compromise his principles. His dream to organize the historic championship fight within his homeland became a grueling odyssey marked by adversity, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to combating corruption in Nigerian sports.
In his heartfelt message, Ali revealed the toll his pursuit took on his personal and financial well-being. From the pinnacle of success as a millionaire in dollars, he found himself reduced to a 'zeronaire' in naira, a stark testament to the sacrifices he made for the sake of his principles.
The post detailed the physical toll of his journey, recounting instances where he was beaten and injured, leading to hospital admissions at the National Hospital in Abuja. Ali also shared the numerous times he faced detention – eight instances in various police stations in Abuja and a harrowing 43 days at Kuje Prison.
Undeterred by the hardships, Ali's commitment to his dream remained unshaken. Refusing lucrative offers to fight abroad, he held fast to his vision of showcasing the Guinness World Record Boxing Championship fight on Nigerian soil, embodying an extraordinary resilience against all odds.
As Bash Ali celebrates his 68th birthday, he declares that his long-awaited dream is finally materializing. His determination remains unwavering as he vows to continue fighting until the age of 70, aiming to retire young, healthy, and financially secure. In a remarkable twist, Ali sets his sights on a new goal – the presidency of Nigeria.
In his own words, "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."
As Bash Ali expresses gratitude to his supporters, his journey serves as an inspirational narrative of resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to principles, even in the face of overwhelming challenges
