Sheffield boxing: put some Kash on Ali being a champion

Ryan Rhodes and his crew at his gym on London Road. Picture: Andrew Roe

Kash Ali is bouncing back after a year out of boxing and is set to become a major force at heavyweight.

That’s the prediction of trainer Ryan Rhodes, who has added the 24-year-old Rotherham banger to his burgeoning Sheffield stable.

“Kash Ali joined me about four or five months ago from the Ingle gym, he’s a great heavyweight, he hasn’t fought for a year but is having a comeback fight (on a bill at Bramall Lane, May 21.)

“I wanted to get him super-fit, he is the fittest and sharpest he has ever been. We have been sparring world class fighters, we’ve had (American world level contender) Malik Scott who has only lost two fights to Dereck Chisora and Deontay Wilder.

“Kash has done six rounds with a great fighter. And I can tell you he is more than holding his own.

“I predict Kash, in the next year to 18 months, will be in contention for titles.”

Ali had drifted out of boxing, wasn’t enjoying it, now “he can’t wait to get in and show everybody what he is all about.”

Rhodes laughs off questions about “poaching” boxers from other gyms.

“We are doing something right, we are working well” said the one-time Spice Boy.

“We are achieving what we want to achieve, guys are winning when they are fighting.

“They are doing well, they are learning. They are enjoying the game.”

* Sheffield’s Sam O’maison, 25, tops the Bramall Lane bill, a week on Saturday.