Former World Boxing Federation Cruiserweight Champion, Bashiru Lawrence Ali, known as Bash Ali, has lamented on his loyalty in fighting corruption as he marks his 68th birthday.

On his Facebook post on Tuesday, Ali narrated the sacrifices he made  over 17 years of his pursuit to host his Guinness World Record Boxing Championship Fight in Nigeria, stressing his refusal to surrender to corrupt practices.

The Ex World Boxing Champion disclosed that his  virtuous stand had cost him dearly, resulting in a decrease in his financial fortunes from being a millionaire in dollars to having virtually nothing in Naira.

He wrote: “Today Tuesday, February 27 is my birthday.

“I went through hell in my country not because I am a criminal but because I say no to corruption. Despite juicy offers to fight outside of Nigeria, I never gave up on my dream to fight in Nigeria and I never gave up on Nigeria.

“For 17 years I struggled in vain to host in my country, Nigeria my Guinness World Record Boxing Championship Fight because I was bold to say no to corruption in sport in particular and in Nigeria in general.

“In 17 years, I was beaten and injured that I had to be admitted twice and treated at the National Hospital in Abuja.

“In 17 years, I was detained eight times at various police stations in Abuja. In 17 years, I was once detained at Kuje Prison for 43 days.

“Today, our dream is finally becoming a reality and because I am an extraordinary human being, I am going to fight until I am 70 years old, retire young and healthy with a lot of money and then go on to be the President of Nigeria. This is my ultimate goal so mark my words.

“Thank u very much for always being by my side. I appreciate you, always. Happy birthday The Great Bash Ali.”