This news according to Secondsout.com. Not sure if anybody recognizes the name, but if you followed boxing at the '04 Olympics you might remember his story. He was the only Iraqi boxer at the Olympics. Ali was trained by an American trainer, Maurice Watkins, and came to train in the U.S. at one point. He won his first round match in the Olympics before losing in the second. Anyways, the news is that the 28 year old signed with Frank Maloney and will make his pro debut April 18th at York Hall.
Hard to say, I've only seen him fight once or twice in the amateurs four years ago. Clips: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsFJ6CB0d54
"Termite" Watkins.. Great amateur career. Wrote a book about his life and being the Iraqi boxing coach. Book was picked up by the filmaking company owned by Dennis Quaid, who lives in Austin. Quaid is going to play Watkins and much will be filmed next year in Houston. I thought Ali was going to play himself, but he's been unable to get a visa..
