Najah Ali: Iraqi boxer

ByBoxing Press

Promoter Frank Maloney has once again stolen the march on his rivals by signing flyweight Najah Ali, the UK’s first professional Iraqi boxer.

Ali successfully competed in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and created a massive impression with the manner of his 21-7 victory over North Korea’s Hyok Ju Kwak.

And the good news for the British public is the talented 28 year old is set to make his professional debut at York Hall on April 18, on the undercard of British light-middleweight champion Gary Woolcombe’s clash with Ryan Rhodes.

What’s more, Maloney is already impressed with what he has seen of the Johnny Eames’ trained fighter.

“Najah comes from a war-torn country and he could be a great example to his fellow countrymen,” said Maloney of the young Iraqi. This is a boxer that, even before he steps in the ring, carries the hopes of a complete nation on his small shoulders.

“Also, in talking to Najah, he sees this as a great honour and will not let any of his countrymen down.I believe sport, and boxing in particular, is a way of uniting all races and opening doors for hungry young men.”

Frank Maloney Promotions presents “Divine Retribution”, Gary Woolcombe vs. Ryan Rhodes for the British light middleweight championship at York Hall, London, England with chief support featuring heavyweights John McDermott and Pele Reid clashing for the vacant English crown on Friday, April 18, 2008.

Tickets are priced at £80 and £40 and are available by logging onto www.frankmaloney.com or by calling the Box Office at 0871 226 1508. Sky Sports televises live on SS1 beginning at 10PM. For further press information please call 0208 467 7647.

Friday, May 2, 2008 features “Two-Tone” with European super bantamweight champion Rendall Munroe defending against European Union titlist Salem Bouaita at the Harvey Hadden Leisure Centre in Nottingham, England. Chief support is provided by British bantamweight champion Ian Napa defending against Irish titlist Colin Moffett of Belfast.

Tickets are priced at £75 and £35 and are available by logging onto www.frankmaloney.com or by calling the Box Office at 0871 226 1508. Sky Sports televises live on SS1 starting at 9:30PM