Bash Ali Pushes Forward with Guinness World Record Fight, Seeks Support in Akwa Ibom
Veteran Nigerian boxer and former World Boxing Federation (WBF) Cruiserweight Champion, Bashiru Oloruntoyin Ali popularly known as Bash Ali has renewed his push to stage a Guinness World Record fight, seeking the support of Akwa Ibom State to finally make it a reality.
According to Journalist Bassey Ibiatisuho, Ali, now 69, visited the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, to appeal for backing from the state government. The historic bout, which he says has been nearly two decades in the making, is aimed at setting a world record as the first Guinness-sanctioned boxing championship to be held in Africa.
“This would be the first time a Guinness World Record boxing fight is staged on African soil,” Ali said. “It will be the most lucrative fight of its kind, with participants from 132 countries and over 46,000 people already pledging to buy \$500 ringside tickets to witness history in Nigeria.”
Ali emphasized that Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, was selected as the proposed host city due to its quality infrastructure, including excellent road networks, hospitality facilities, strong security, and the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium slated as the venue.
The legendary boxer, who holds the distinction of being the first African to win a cruiserweight world title, noted that the fight would not only break records but also position Akwa Ibom and Nigeria on the global sporting map.
Akwa Ibom State Sports Commissioner Paul Bassey, while commending Ali’s perseverance and ambition, assured him of the state government’s openness to hosting internationally significant sporting events. He described the proposed fight as a major opportunity for sports tourism and praised Ali’s determination to compete at such a high level at his age.
The Commissioner added that sports development remains a central part of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, especially at the grassroots level, and recognized the potential of the bout to promote the state globally.
With renewed momentum and a potential host city identified, Bash Ali’s long-sought Guinness World Record fight appears one step closer to becoming a historic reality.
