Ali, not 'Razor' sharp

Fiji Sports

Fijian boxer, Jr. Farzan AliBOXING over the age 40 poses a greater risk of serious injuries, says former boxer Akuila Naidu.

The champion southpaw of the 80s, who won both the South Seas welterweight and Junior welterweight championship of Fiji titles, said the Nathan Singh and Junior Farzan Ali ‘Razor’ fight casts a doubt on Ali’s training and fitness ahead of the South Pacific Promotion next month.

“Singh is 21 years old, very feisty and upcoming. Ali is in his 40s, how is that a match made for promotion,” Naidu said.

Naidu said while the promoter felt the need to sign the two boxers, he ignored the risk factor.

“There is a greater risk for serious injuries in boxing including concussions/other head trauma, loss of consciousness, eye injuries, and broken bones.

“Ali has been inactive following his 2017, first round loss to Sebastian Singh, who is Nathan’s older brother.”

Naidu said promoters should not just look at quick promotion but find competitive matchups.

“Ali was an amazing boxer, there’s no more the same boxer he was during his prime, he is about that 40 years old and had been out of competition for four years, and that makes him injury prone.

“He is no longer ‘Razor sharp’,” Naidu said.

He urges the Boxing Commission of Fiji to enact clear age policies on the potential future matchups.