History-maker Ali back in November
ROCHDALE boxer Muhammad Ali is set to return to the ring in November after he made history on Saturday by becoming the first UK boxer with type one diabetes to fight professionally.
It was a perfect debut for Ali as he defeated Andrej Cepur 40-36 on points, with the 25-yearold competing on a packed bill full of local talent at Victoria Warehouse in Manchester.
Ali was in control throughout the contest, landing some good shots on Cepur that appeared to have the Lithuanian in trouble at times, but he was able to survive the four rounds and ensure that Ali’s first fight went to points.
It was a long-awaited debut for Ali, as due to his diabetes, he had to spend nearly three years campaigning in order to prove to the British Boxing
‘I was loading up on shots so I could have done better. There’s more to come’
Board of Control that his condition would not affect him in the ring.
With the help of those around him, Ali was able to present a case to the BBBofC, and he was eventually granted his license earlier this year.
He was glad to finally step into the ring and win on his debut, but he insists he can make improvements and there is a lot more he has to offer.
“I don’t know how I didn’t get my opponent out of there. I was loading up on shots a bit so I could have done better, but there’s a lot more to come from me,” he said.
“It was an absolutely amazing feeling. I really appreciate everyone who believed in me before the journey started, and I was overwhelmed with the support I’ve had from my hometown of Rochdale.
“As a diabetic I’ve gone out there and proven that we don’t suffer. Anybody out there who is suffering from any condition, if you believe in yourself then you can do anything in life. Just surround yourself with positive people.
“I need to thank my manager Asad Shamim for everything he has done for me. He was running up and down the country for me to make sure I got my license and without him I wouldn’t be here. My family have been amazing too, and my coach Alex Matvienko has been brilliant as well. The gym is booming and it’s a great place to be.”
Also on the card at Victoria Warehouse on Saturday, there were impressive wins for the likes of Marc Leach, Lyndon Arthur and Danny Wright.