Rotherham heavyweight vows career rebuild
Rotherham's IBF European title winner Kash Ali is back in action on Friday, determined to overcome injuries, ill health and mixed form.
The 6ft 6ins boxer continues his comeback after being knocked out by Joe Joyce in Birmingham in 2024.
He has won one four rounder since and will this weekend hope to further his rehabilitation with victory over journeyman Phil Williams.
The 34-year-old is on a Dennis Hobson card at Skate Central, Sheffield.
Kash, who achieved international notoriety when he bit opponent David Price in 2019, agreed to a Question and Answer session with the Advertiser:
Q: You're due to face Williams, your second fight since losing to Joe Joyce. Why do you think things went wrong in that bout?
A: When the Joyce fight came along it was a big opportunity which was very difficult to refuse.
On the other hand, I went in there unknowingly with serious health issues and injuries.
I’m not taking anything way from Joe Joyce but that was me nowhere near my best, I wouldn’t even say 50 per cent.
We took a chance and came up short. Live and learn to fight for another day.
Q: Who are you being trained by now?
A: I am currently training at Unity boxing gym in (Aldwarke Lane) Rotherham. Atif Shafiq who was a professional boxer himself and my brother Abdul Majid both train me.
Q: You've been a pro for a long time, have a good record and previously won the IBF European belt - what else can you achieve in boxing?
A: I’m in this sport to have biggest fights and test myself against the best.
Yes, I’ve had some good fights and was top 10-15 in world at one time, unfortunately I got injured and the best has not been shown yet.
Me at the top of my game, I genuinely believe I can beat anyone from British to world level.
Joyce rematch? So, let’s see. Time will tell...
Q: How much would you like to win the British Title?
Yes, the British title is a very prestigious belt to win.
If the opportunity came I would love to win that title regardless of the opponent.
Q: What do you make of the current heavyweight scene in Britain, the likes of Richard Riakporhe, Jeamie Tshikeva and David Adeleye? Would you like to face any of them?
A: We all know each other in the boxing world, it’s very small. Absolutely, there are some very good fights to be made from British to world level, I know I belong there and when the time comes again the world will see how skilled and dangerous I actually am.
Q: How much are you looking forward to getting back between the ropes in Sheffield this weekend?
A: I’m excited to be fighting again as I’ve done this all my life, all I know is how to fight.
I want to put on a good show in front of my supporters whilst building myself back up.
It was taken away from me and it’s been a very tough couple of years but thank God we are back ready to come for it all. No retreat, no surrender!