Taking risks key to Ali’s super year
ROCHDALE boxer Muhammad Ali has reflected on the whirlwind last 12 months he has experienced as he prepares for another big year in 2019.
Ali became the UK’s first ever boxer with type one diabetes to be granted a professional license back in June, after months of hard work in order to prove to the British Boxing Board of Control that he is capable of competing.
After finally being given the green light to make his debut, the super-welterweight has gone from strength to strength since having his first fight in September.
He has since extended his unbeaten record to 3-0, and is now set to return to the ring early this year as he looks to continue his progress in 2019.
It’s been a fantastic year for Ali, and he is delighted with how things have gone so far and is hoping to now inspire people to help others in any way they can.
“This time last year I lived in the fear of whether I would receive my professional boxing licence. You can’t let a fear of failure or a fear of judgement stop you from the things that will make you a great person. You can’t succeed without the risk of failure,” he said.
“You can’t have a voice without risking criticism. We all have to take such risks to reach our goals. Nothing great can be accomplished without enthusiasm, to keep your dreams alive in spite of all your problems.
“You must have the inner strength to work hard for your dreams and for them to become a reality. I just did that by becoming UK’s first ever professional diabetic boxer on June 9.
“This time of year is a very special time to count on your blessings and to deeply think about the poor and needy in the world. Whilst some of us are busy shopping there are some who don’t even have a shelter, food or clean water.
“Let’s be thoughtful and generous to make a special prayer for all those vulnerable people. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for all of their love and support that has been shown to me throughout my career.
“I want to thank all of my sponsors for their continued support too, including Diabetes UK, JDRF, JMR solicitors, David Lloyd, Knockout Kitchen, Marc Darcy, Sporteq and ThinAir Sports.”