Diabetic boxer plans on 'bringing belts back to Jersey'

Monday 25 September 2023

The UK's first Type 1 diabetic professional boxer recently gave a talk at the Royal Yacht hotel about his personal struggle in gaining his professional boxing license – and has said he plans on "bringing belts back to Jersey" when he becomes a champion.

Muhammad Ali, who is from Rochdale, was invited to the island by Diabetes Jersey to give a talk to raise awareness and help inspire other people with Type 1 diabetes to go after their dreams.

Rochdale-born Ali was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes – which means the body struggles to produce insulin – aged just five.

A keen sportsman, playing football and karate, Ali did not take up the sport of his namesake until he was 12 years old.

His talents quickly became clear, and the bout-winning amateur applied for a professional licence in 2015, but was rejected due to his diabetes.

It set the stage for one of his toughest fights: a three-year battle to prove his condition wasn't too dangerous for him to enter the ring professionally, which he won with the support of Diabetes UK and Dr Ian Gallen.

Pictured: Ali was invited to give the talk by Diabetes Jersey representative Liz Freeman.

His professional licence, granted by the British Boxing Board of Control in May 2018, is the first ever to have been awarded to someone with Type 1 diabetes in the UK.

Liz Freeman, the Type 1 representative for Diabetes Jersey – who also has the condition herself – explained that she first contacted Ali after watching him on a social media post during the pandemic, describing him as "inspirational".

Ali first came to Jersey in 2021 to give a talk to Type 1 diabetics and their families.

"That was such a success that I wanted him to come back over, to raise more awareness about what we have to do and go through," said Liz.

"He will get the belt and he will be world champion."

Ali said: "I get invited to a lot of events and Liz connected with me via Twitter, she invited me over on behalf of Diabetes Jersey.

"I've come over and I've absolutely loved it here, it's my second home now."

Pictured: Muhammad Ali, the UK's first Type 1 diabetic professional boxer.

During the talk, Ali encouraged those in attendance – which included islanders with diabetes – to ask him questions and told them not to let their condition stop them from pursuing their own ambitions.

"It's good to mix my stories with others," he explained. "You can do absolutely anything in life with Type 1 diabetes, you don't have to do boxing."

He added that he would be "bringing belts back to Jersey, 100%".

Ali continued: "I've created history by becoming the first Type 1 diabetic professional boxer; I want to create history now by becoming the first Type 1 diabetic champion – that's the end goal.

"I'm not in this sport to mess about and just be the first diabetic boxer."

Diabetes Jersey chairman Bill O'Brien said the charity was "indebted" to Affinity Private Wealth for sponsoring Ali's latest visit to the island.

"This morning's event has proved very informative and very inspirational for those with diabetes, in particular those with Type 1 diabetes," he said.