Iraqi Ali set to make pro debut on Friday by Kevin Taylor Apr 14th 2008

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 competed in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games after getting a wildcard and created a massive impression with the manner of his 21-7 victory over North Korea's Hyok Ju Kwak, before losing to Armenia's Alexander Nalbandyan on points in the second round. The twenty-eight year old is set to make his professional debut at the York Hall on April 18th, on the undercard of the British light-middleweight title fight between Gary Woolcombe and Ryan Rhodes. 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 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,” Maloney continued. “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'' at York Hall, Bethnal Green on April 18 which will also be shown live on Sky TV. 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.

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