THE residents of Cannock, on South Staffordshire’s former coal belt, may experience earth tremors next month as hulking heavyweight Kash Ali returns to the ring.courtesy Kash Ali
After close to two years away, the big puncher, whose career is pitted with slam, bang performances, gets back to action on Scott Murray’s February 7 title show at Cannock Chase Leisure Centre.
And Ali, from Solihull, pledged: “I’m looking at this like a world title. I’m putting pressure on myself to deliver a destructive performance.”
Brooding and menacing inside the ring, 6ft 6ins tall Ali is out to make a statement after his career was stalled by “injuries and issues”. A badly damaged hand is the primary reason for the long lay-off.
He’s spent 10 months in Cyprus, a time for “healing mentally and physically”, and is burning to get back in the title mix. “I’ve still got the ambition to became a champion,” Ali insisted, “the ambition is still the same.
“Get a couple of momentum wins and then 10 rounders.”
His is a 24-bout career packed with drama and demolitions: the 33-year-old carries wrecking ball power. To date, it’s been a roller-coaster ride for fans.
Ali, who moved up north to chase pro glory, has experienced the highs of claiming European title belts.
He’s also endured the public backlash that followed his 2019 disqualification for biting David Price on a major televised bout. He last fought in March, 2024, suffering 10th round defeat to former British, Commonwealth and WBO world champ Joe Joyce in a bruising encounter.
Ali went into that one handicapped by the damaged hand, he insisted.
Now trained by brother Abdul and former pro Atif Shafiq in Rotherham, he believes he is a better fighter – older and wiser – this time round.
He said: “I have the experience that others have not – I’ve been in 10 round fights, I’ve fought injured, and, injury free, I really am going to hit it this time. It has been frustrating watching fighters going for the British title and knowing I can compete with them. I have the style, the power, I just need to prove it. I can perform at the best level.
“I’m 33, I believe I’m at my prime.
“The mistake you make are more of a lesson and I believe I’m better for them. In Cyprus, I had time to reflect, make myself better, physically and mentally – that’s something I never had time to do before.”
Kash is back and fans should brace themselves for the crash, bang, wallop.
