Welterweight Prospect Khalid Ali Breaks Down Why he is a Dangerous Foe!
All young fighters aspire to hopefully reach the point of winning a world title, creating a legacy in the sport, and providing for their family and loved ones. Such is the case of British welterweight prospect Khalid Ali (3-0, 2 KOs). The 20-year-old southpaw from East London, England was introduced to the sport by his father, Wolid Ali, who was also a boxer.
After first picking up the gloves as an eight-year-old, Ali joined the joined Repton Boxing Club, one of the more renowned boxing gyms in London. Going 40-4 as an amateur, he won the London Amateur title and boxed for England internationally.
Khalid Ali gained the attention of the CEO of Queensberry promotions, Frank Warren. Impressed by what he saw live and on video, Warren inked a deal with the kid in June 2021. During an interview on the Queensberry YouTube page, Ali described his style.
STYLE AND SUBSTANCE
“I’m quite slick, I’m a slick southpaw […] I got very good footwork, and I hit hard. I’m not left-handed, I’m actually a conventional southpaw […] That’s what makes me dangerous […] If you come across a southpaw who’s hard-hitting, makes them very dangerous. If I use all my attributes and skills, I’m very dangerous.”
Ali made his pro debut in September 2021, scoring a fourth-round TKO over Dean Wilkinson. In his last outing, Ali scored a second-round stoppage win over Das Newton on September 16 on the undercard of the Lennox Clarke – Mark Heffron British super middleweight title contest. Against Newton, you could see the potential in Ali. The flash, speed, and athleticism were evident as he overwhelmed the overmatched Newton.
Of Bengali descent, some UK pundits look at his features and style and quickly compare him to former unified featherweight champion “Prince” Naseem Hamed. Ali admires Hamed for his fistic achievements in the ring and for being a role model outside the ropes. However, the young fighter wants to make his mark. His goal is to be the best he can be and inspire kids and British Bangladeshi parents, showing that boxing is a viable option.
With Warren and former WBC junior middleweight champion Maurice Hope serving as an advisor, Ali believes he has the talent and backing to reach all of his goals. He certainly is a name to keep an eye on in the UK boxing ranks.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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