After nearly six years away from professional boxing, former junior middleweight champion Sadam Ali steps back into the ring on February 23. This comeback isn't driven by a desire for another megafight but rather by a deep-seated love for the sport that has been with him since childhood.

Rediscovering Passion and Purpose in the Sport He Loves

The Road Back to Brooklyn

At Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York, Ali will face Victoriano Santillan in an eight-round bout. This fight marks more than just a return; it symbolizes a reconnection with a passion that has defined his life. Boxing has always been Ali’s primary focus. From the age of eight, he immersed himself in the sport, developing a profound love for its challenges and rewards. Over time, however, the grind of professional boxing began to feel monotonous. The thrill of victory was overshadowed by the routine nature of training and competition.Despite this, Ali never lost sight of what made boxing special to him. "What have I done other than boxing?" he reflected. "Since I was eight years old, I boxed and learned to love it." His hiatus allowed him to step back and reassess his relationship with the sport. Now, with renewed vigor, Ali is ready to embrace the aspects of boxing that initially drew him in—the camaraderie, the adrenaline, and the opportunity to connect with fans.

A Fighter's Journey Through Triumph and Setbacks

Ali's career has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks. In 2017, he captured the WBO junior middleweight title with a unanimous decision over Miguel Cotto, sending the Puerto Rican legend into retirement. However, his first title defense against Jaime Munguia ended in a stoppage after four rounds. Following this loss, Ali bounced back with victories over Mauricio Herrera, only to be stopped again by Anthony Young in 2019. These experiences shaped his perspective on the sport, leading him to take a break and reflect on his future in boxing.During his time away, Ali worked with influencers involved in crossover boxing, reigniting his passion for the sport. The collaboration reminded him of the joy and excitement that boxing once brought. "I just want to get back in there," Ali said. "I really missed the feeling of being victorious." The desire to perform in front of people, especially in his hometown, became a driving force behind his return.

Facing a Seasoned Opponent

Victoriano Santillan, a 30-year-old fighter from Argentina, brings a wealth of experience to the ring. With a record of 13-7-2 (8 KOs), Santillan has built a career out of taking on tough fights. Although he may not have the same pedigree as Ali, he is a seasoned professional who has faced numerous challenges throughout his career. Since Ali's last fight, Santillan has remained active, competing 10 times. This contrast in activity levels adds an intriguing dynamic to the matchup.For Ali, the prospect of facing a fighter like Santillan represents both a challenge and an opportunity. "People may say, ‘This sounds like a nice guy,’ but I really do miss taking pictures with people and showing them respect and love," Ali explained. "I’ve been raised with nothing but love, and that’s what I want to give. I like it when people recognize that I’m an actual fighter who has to punch people in the face."

Looking Ahead: A New Chapter Begins

As Ali prepares for this comeback, the uncertainty of where this new chapter will lead remains. What is clear, however, is his unwavering commitment to the sport. Boxing has always been more than just a job for Ali—it has been a way of life. The next move may be unclear, but the passion that has driven him for decades remains as strong as ever. Whether this comeback leads to another title shot or simply serves as a reminder of why he loves boxing, one thing is certain: Sadam Ali is back, and he's ready to make an impact.