Former World Boxing Federation Cruiserweight Champion Bashiru Ali aka Bash Ali on Tuesday recalled his many travails as he celebrates his 68th birthday.
In a Facebook post, he said he would not give up on his quest to host his Guinness World Record boxing championship fight in Nigeria.
The former boxing champion said that in 17 years he declined from being a millionaire in dollars to having nothing in naira.
“Today Tuesday, February 27 is my birthday. For 17 years I struggled in vain to host in my country, Nigeria my Guinness World Record Boxing Championship Fight because I was bold to say no to corruption in sport in particular and in Nigeria in general,” wrote Ali.
“In 17 years, I went from being a millionaire in dollars to a zeronaire in naira.
“In 17 years, I was beaten and injured that I had to be admitted twice and treated at the National Hospital in Abuja.
Court restrains Bash Ali from defaming Sunday Dare
Count us out of your record fight, FG tells Bash Ali
“In 17 years, I was detained eight times at various police stations in Abuja. In 17 years, I was once detained at Kuje Prison for 43 days.
“I went through hell in my country not because I am a criminal but because I say no to corruption. Despite juicy offers to fight outside of Nigeria, I never gave up on my dream to fight in Nigeria and I never gave up on Nigeria.”
Ali said his ultimate goal was to be Nigeria’s president.
“Today, our dream is finally becoming a reality and because I am an extraordinary human being, I am going to fight until I am 70 years old, retire young and healthy with a lot of money and then go on to be the President of Nigeria. This is my ultimate goal so mark my words,” he added.
