Latimer suffers scare before securing win
New pro Latimer works Ali’s body. Picture: Manjit Narotra/BCB Promotions
AFTER 150 fights – almost all of them losses – Naheem Ali still merits respect, still poses a threat.
The Blackburn boxer, one of the busiest in the business, is a master of his craft. And his craft is to help apprentices learn the ropes, give them experience over the full distance without upsetting the applecart.
Winning fights, as harsh as it may sound, is not top of Ali’s agenda.
But the 30-year-old has the pride to punish mistakes and lapses in concentration – as Callum Latimer discovered on Friday at the Hangar, Wolverhampton.
The tall Rutland welterweight began aggressively, shunned defence and was sent sprawling across the ring by a right hand, Ali chasing after him. Latimer rose at three and fought with less recklessness after that first round scare, staying busy to win the four rounder 39-37 on referee Kevin Parker’s card.
For whatever reason, Ali (10st 13lb) failed to blaze away after decking the novice who has now won two on the spin.
Latimer (10st 9lbs) came out to make a statement, forcing Ali to the ropes and ripping in rights to the body.
He was more controlled after the knock down and in the second worked for openings behind stiff jabs.
Ali alternated between retreating to the ropes, gloves cupped around his face, and prowling with hands down, occasionally unleashing looping right hands. He threw punches sparingly, chugging along in what appeared third gear.
Latimer was clipped by a right in the third, but was by far the busier of the pair. And he ended the contest in style, pinning Ali against the ropes and opened up with both hands.
Ali was never in trouble and, at the end, looked at a section of fans who had barracked him, provided a loud commentary and cheered every Latimer success. “You don’t know anything about boxing,” he told them.
Ali had done what he’s paid to do – provide lessons for young fighters. The lesson learned by Latimer was, “keep your hands up at all times”.