Bash Fights Booth Sunday

The Bash Ali-Tony Booths earlier postponed bout now comes up on Sunday august 15th in the new gymnasium of the National Stadium, Lagos. The fight had been postponed twice. But the last two were most recent; first was May 29 which was DEMOCRACY DAY in Nigeria and AIT, the official sponsors and broadcast Station could not beam both events live on the same day. Then the big bout was given a new date – June 17, 2004. Again the ring show suffered another hiccup--- this time from the Challenger’s camp. Bash Alli won the title in year 2000 through a knock-out.

 The Nigerian floored the former Champion Terry Ray but, since then, he had not been able to defend the title sequel to a disagreement between him (Ali) and the World Boxing Federation- an offence which led to Ali being stripped of the title.    But the boxer will not drop his guards. He sought a legal redress in an American Court of Law which ruled that Ali’s title be reinstated and the sum of 2.1million USD be paid to him as damages.

Bash was initially billed to defend his title against John Keeton another Briton, who chickened out with a flimsy excuse of not wanting to fight in Nigeria. On how he intends coping after a long lay off from the ring, Bash said he would bash Booth to submission because he had never lost sight of his keep-fit and be-in-shape programmes. “I have turned every stone around and sparred with virtually the best heavy and cruiserweights around the country.  I have taken a load of punishments which I’m sure, Booth can’t stand.  I’ll whip and make him lick his boots.” 

Booth who was neither in Nigeria on a holiday nor a picnic, spat back at Ali: “I’ve come to beat Ali and return to London with the crown. I’ll make the Danny Williams/Mike Tyson fistic encounter look like child’s play. Simply put, I’ll retire Ali after beating him in the presence of kinsmen.”  In another bout billed for the same day, Police Superintendent Babatunde Jonathan of Nigeria will square up against Ghanaian Bob Rasheed in an international Cruiserweight crunchy duel. Babatunde, a former African Champion has a fight record of 32; with 2 losses and 2 draws.
 

His fight against Rasheed is one of the two he must win to get back to the top 10 brackets of WBF.  Two Nigerians- Chidi Enoma and Tonis Roy will engage each other in the battle for the vacant national cruiserweight title.  Another thriller on today’s bill is the national featherweight title fight between Sunday Okoli (The Champion) and Challenger Sharafa King.  Both fighters had met twice and twice, the champion had shown his champion stuff.  But this time around, Sharafat has vowed to dethrone the Champion.

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