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MMA Boxing

Sadam Ali Is Brooklyn’s Next Great Fighter

By @paul_past

Sadam Ali-Luis Carlos Abregu

Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

If you’re a casual boxing fan, chances are you’d never heard of Sadam Ali prior to Nov. 8. And if you’re a casual boxing fan who tuned in to see Ali’s dominant victory over Argentine contender Luis Carlos Abregu, chances are you won’t soon forget him.

Ali, 26, of Brooklyn, NY, and a 2008 U.S. Olympian, knocked down Abregu twice before referee Harvey Dock waved the fight off in the ninth round. It was the first time Abregu had ever been stopped, and the second time he had ever been defeated as a professional.

Abregu’s only other loss was against Timothy Bradley, who, upon defeating Abregu, gained worldwide recognition when he stepped into the ring against Manny Pacquiao three fights later.

The fact that Bradley was able to fight Pacquiao shortly after defeating Abregu doesn’t necessarily mean the same thing will happen to Ali. Boxing is a fickle sport, and the likelihood of Ali ever facing Pacquiao depends more on Ali’s management and Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum, than on the fighters themselves. But Ali’s victory over Abregu was undoubtedly more impressive than Bradley’s.

Ali not only proved he could perform on a big stage under immense pressure, he also demonstrated exceptional boxing skills, particularly in the way he was able to consistently counter Abregu’s lead right hand with devastating left hooks.

His footwork and head movement allowed him to slip in and out of range when he needed to, and unlike many boxers who are eager to prove themselves, Ali chose to hold when it was necessary for him to do so.

To say that Abregu “didn’t show up” against Ali, as some in the boxing media have, is to minimize Ali’s victory and ignore the fact that he frustrated Abregu out of his own game plan. Keep in mind that it was Abregu who became desperate, while Ali remained composed.

Ali’s victory over Abregu ultimately showed he has what it takes to become world champion. Brooklyn has always shown great support for its fighters in the past — I’m thinking specifically of Zab Judah and Paulie Malignaggi — and I have no doubt that it will continue to do the same for Ali.

Paul Pastorini is a Boxing Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @paul_past, find him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

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