Can Sadam Ali be Boxing’s Next Big Star?

By Michael R. Cumberbatch: I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Sadam as he gets ready for his upcoming fight. Armed with tremendous talent, a storied amateur background, confidence, charisma and maturity far beyond his years, he and his team set out to make their mark. Fast hands and quick feet to add, he has become a promoter’s dream and, in the age of packaged marketability, an instant answer for savvy boxing executives.

Time will tell whether he reaches that pinnacle, but so far he’s walking that path.

Special thanks to David Ali and Main Events’ Jolene Mizzone.

MC: I’m here with the World Kid Sadam Ali. He’s getting ready for his March 5th fight at the Prudential Center. How’s training camp going?

SA: Camp is going well. I’m working hard. I’m ready for eight rounds. Regardless of how long the fight goes, I’m ready.

MC: Speaking of the March 5th fight, your opponent Ramos has been in with some top opponents such as Kermit Cintron and Mike Jones. Have you had an opportunity to look at any of his fights?

SA: Yeah, I looked at one of his fight as on You Tube. I checked him out a little bit.

MC: Let’s talk about your style. You are versatile where you can stay outside and box or you can come inside and bang. Have you always been able to do that and do you prefer to fight one way over the other?

SA: Yes, that’s something I’ve always had in me. I never had tremendous power but I’m developing it now as I’m growing and getting older. That’s the type of style you need to have (speed and power). In order to adapt, you have to.

MC: In your fights you have what we call adaptability. You are able to change your plan based on what you see from your opponents. Have you always had that sense?

SA: I’ve always had that. As an amateur, you fight three or four rounds so you couldn’t see it. Now as a pro fighting eight rounds, you get to see me change and adapt.

MC: You do something a lot of guys can’t get away with. Floyd Mayweather likes to do it and that’s throw right hand leads.

SA: Yeah, I’ve done it as an amateur as well. It’s a sneaky punch that comes naturally.
(Both Laughing)

MC: You’ve had a tremendous amateur background. Forgive me if I forget some of your accomplishments. PAL champion, Golden Gloves Champion, National champion and a member of the US Olympic team. How has the transition gone from being at the top of the amateur ranks to being a great pro prospect?

SA: In the pros you have to be more picky with your shots. You have to use more power. I still bring my speed with it. You need speed and power. You have smaller gloves so you have to be careful. One punch can change the whole fight. There’s no headgear so it’s a little twist to it.

MC: I want to follow up that question with this (one) — because of your great amateur background and talent, much is expected from you. How do you keep everything in line?

SA: I pray to God and lean on family. I have good friends around me and that’s a big thing right there. I like what I do, so for me, it’s not that hard. Of course, there is a lot of pressure on me but at the end of the day you do what you have to do. It’s natural.

MC: You’ve built a great following at the Prudential Center, with fans chanting Ali. Did you expect something like that so soon?

SA: I did think it would happen. Fans did it when I was an amateur. They would chant my name Ali, Ali. I’m gifted with a great boxing name.

MC: Have you set goals or mapped a timetable for your fight title shot?

SA: I don’t have anything mapped out. I just want to stay busy, stay sharp and make sure I don’t lose focus. Sometimes, you can get in there and think everything is good and lose. I’m making sure that doesn’t happen. I’m ready for whatever comes. I’m taking it step by step and whenever that title shot comes, it comes. I’m only 22. If it comes early, it comes early.

MC: You touched on something — at 22, you show a great sense of maturity

SA: It comes from the way I was raised — the way my dad is. He always taught me about respect and that’s the way I am.

MC: You opened a gym last summer. Talk about what the gym has meant to you.

SA: I’ve always wanted a gym. In the past, I would have to wait until the gym was open. One time I had to train in my garage. Now that I have my own gym, I can go there whenever I want. I never have to worry about having a gym to go to.

I also opened it for the community and all the kids. I started boxing when I was 8 years old. There are a lot of kids joining; I like that. That puts a smile on my face. I’m able to help them because I’ve been through it all. Keeping them off the streets; that’s another reason we opened the gym.

MC: What can we expect on March 5th and what do you want to say to all your fans?

SA: March 5th you should see a lot of speed and power — domination and making this guy miss. In the future, you should definitely see me as a world champion, bringing more fans to boxing. I want to thank all the fans and supporters. I really appreciate it. You guys will see a whole lot of me.

MC: Thanks Sadam and good luck to you.

Questions or comments, reach me at mrcboxwithme@msn.com