Muhammad Ali has made history after becoming the first boxer in the country with type one diabetes to be granted a professional licence by the British Boxing Board of Control. After nearly three years of hard work trying to battle the decision, Ali was finally granted his license during a meeting with the board on Wednesday, as his team were able to provide key documentation proving that his condition would not disrupt his ability to box.
The 25-year-old is delighted that things are now finally back on track, and he is thankful to those around him who have helped him get to this point.
"I've been fighting for my career since 2015. It's taken two and a half years for it to be resolved and I respect the British Boxing Board of Control for granting me the license,"
"Nothing happens overnight and it's taken a lot of hard work to get to this point. I've had help from my advisor and manager Asad Shamim, plus from Diabetes UK and from Dr Ian Gallen, so I really appreciate all that they've done for me.
"This breakthrough has set a precedent and opened the door for other boxers with diabetes to get their license. I've had messages of support from other boxers similar to my position and I feel proud to have paved the way."
Ali had an impressive amateur career, including winning the Haringey Box Cup in 2013. He was set to make his debut in Blackpool in December 2015 before finding out he wouldn't be granted a license, something which left him devastated at the time.
"In 2015 as soon as I got told I wouldn't be able to get a license I was heartbroken. I gave around £800 worth of my boxing gear away to local lads and said put it to good use as I can't use it anymore," he said.
"People would ask me what's going on with my career and I wouldn't have anything to tell them. Even my mum and dad were saying there wasn't any buzz or excitement in the house anymore.
"I'd put boxing to bed and become a personal trainer, but then I spoke to my advisor Asad Shamim and he said we should look into it and that he would help with all of the legal side of things.
Muhammad Ali has been granted a boxing license
"We were able to put together a protocol and show the British Boxing Board of Control why I should get my license.
"To get the approval at the meeting on Wednesday was amazing, and I'm already excited thinking about my professional career."
"I want to become British champion most definitely. The British Boxing Board of Control have granted me a license, and I'd love to show them it was the right decision by winning the Lonsdale belt," said Ali.
"Even by getting this far and having the chance to box means that I've already won. It shows that if you don't ever give up you can achieve your goals.
"The plan is to make my debut in September. I've constantly been training and sparring and now I'm ready to be let off the leash.
"I used to dream of becoming a champion and now my dream has the chance to become a reality."