Automobile accident takes the life of future star Ali Tazeem

British boxing was shocked with the unexpected, and tragic, news of the death of future star Ali Tazeem.

Teenage boxing sensation Ali Tazeem, 18, was tragically killed in an automobile accident Saturday night in the late hours in Wolverhampton, England when the car he was in collided with a bus at an intersection. He had recently signed a professional contract with Probellum, one of boxing’s biggest promoters, coming off a strong amateur career that saw him capture 15 gold medals in international competiton.

While Ali had yet to make his professional debut, hopes were high for the gifted young boxer with comparisons already being made to British superstar Amir Khan who is near the end of an outstanding professional career.

In a recent interview Khan was singing the praises of the young boxer saying, “I definitely think he is the next big thing, for sure”.

Sam Jones, who heads up Probellum’s Talent Relations Department, was understandably devastated at the news and took to social media to express his grief and disbelief.

“I can’t even process it properly. We only spoke yesterday about how he was going to light up the pro game. All I can think about is Ali and his lovely family”, he said.

Mike Altamura, Probellum’s Head of Talent Development, in speaking with MaxBoxing said, “This is just tragic, he was from such a great family too. I can’t even imagine; it is hard to get my head around it. This is just heartbreaking”. He later tweeted, “All my heart and soul to Ali’s beautiful family. Just a devastating loss. Fly high young lion”.   

Boxing’s Sean Gibbons, on his way home to Las Vegas, from the Spence-Ugas card in Texas, before he re-routes to Liverpool Tuesday, told MaxBoxing that he had spoken to his son Brendan who is in England working with some fighters from Sean’s stable and is with the Tazeem family.

“Brendan told me they are in disbelief and are obviously grief-stricken at this tragic news”, he said. “All we can do right now is keep his wonderful family in our thoughts and prayers as they try to process this unimaginable loss”, said Gibbons.

On behalf of the entire MaxBoxing crew, our deepest condolences to the Tazeem family.   

Ali Tazeem - Rest in peace, champion.