A Society That Looks After Its Own: Between US Mike Tyson & Nigeria’s Bash Ali

By Emmanuel Eko 

The story of Mike Tyson, the former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, is a testament to the power of a supportive community. After quitting boxing 19 years ago, Tyson found himself broke and struggling to make ends meet. However, his compatriots rallied around him, recognizing his contributions to the sport and the pride he had brought to America.

A deliberate effort was made to help Tyson rebuild his life, and a bout was arranged with a former blogger, Paul Jake. This “retirement benefit” fight earned Tyson a whopping $20 million, changing his life for the better. The outpouring of support for Tyson was not about his race, religion, or past mistakes; it was about giving him a second chance and showing appreciation for his dedication to the sport.

This heartwarming story raises questions about how Nigeria treats its own sports heroes. The case of Bash Ali, Nigeria’s undefeated World Cruiserweight champion, is a stark contrast. Despite his impressive achievements, Ali has been ignored by successive governments since Obasanjo. He has been calling for sponsorship for a fight to prove that Nigeria has some of the best athletes in the world, but his pleas have fallen on deaf ears.

In fact, the federal government of Nigeria has shown interest in hosting this historic event in Nigeria, inaugurating the Bash Ali Boxing Project Local Organizing Committee not once, not twice, but three times – on November 9, 2006, January 7, 2014, and May 21, 2019. Despite this, the event has yet to materialize due to corruption.

Now that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken office with a renewed hope agenda, the world is watching to see if Nigeria will finally give Bash Ali the recognition he deserves. Will Nigeria’s Bash Ali become the country’s Mike Tyson, opening doors for aging sportsmen and women? Only time will tell.