Following his valiant (albeit losing) effort against IBF Cruiserweight king Thomaz Adamek, Bobby Gunn expected his phone to light up with offers. The 2 time world title challenger believed that in the wake of Adamek fight, promoters would see the skill and courage he brings to every fight and the other world ranked contenders would finally consider him as a viable opponent if given the chance. Instead, Gunn (21-4-1, 18 KOs) got an offer from an unexpected source......a contract to meet a three time world title challenger in Lagos, Nigeria. While the final details of the proposed bout are still being worked out, Bobby Gunn has agreed to travel to Nigeria to meet local favorite/celebrity Bash Ali December 12th in a 12 round contest. The bout has been sanctioned by the IBU (International Boxing Union) for their Cruiserweight championship strap.

"Everything looks good, just trying to finalize the money part of the deal." Gunn told FightNews Canada. "I almost fell out of my chair when I got the call. The guy is 53 years old! At first, I thought it was a joke but when I got the contract, I knew that they were serious. I was told that this guy is in great shape but great shape or not, that's a 53 yr old body. When I start landing heavy shots to the body, he's gonna feel them. I wouldn't take this fight if I didn't feel couldn't win it. He won't last the 12 rounds. No way."

Bash Ali birth date is listed as February 27, 1956 but many in the boxing world believe that the fighting Nigerian is even old than that. Ali (66-14, 46 KOs) has been fighting now for 4 decades, turning pro back in June 1978. His resume is littered with big names from the 70's, 80's, and 90's (Yaqui Lopez, Jesse Burnett, Marvin Camel, Carlos De Leon and Bobby Czyz just to name a few.) Along the way, Ali landed 3 world title opportunities, dropping decisions to Carlos De Leon (WBC) in 84, Czyz (WBA) in 91 and Ralf Rocchigiani (WBO) in 96. Since the turn of the century, "Bash" has collected 7 straight wins (albei 5 have come against opponents making their pro debut). He's been inactive since stopping English journeyman Tony Booth in August 2004.

If you wish to contact the author of this article, email Dave Baggs at FightNews Canada