Ali brought an unusual story into the title fight. The Nigerian-born challenger, also known as Bashiru Lawrence Ali and “Mr. President,” talked openly about eventually running for president of Nigeria. He claimed a world championship would increase his stature and help finance those political ambitions.
Winning the belt proved considerably more difficult.
Controlling Ali from the opening bell with a steady jab, Czyz repeatedly followed it with hard right hands, uppercuts and combinations. Ali was naturally strong at cruiserweight and possessed an excellent chin, but his durability became his primary asset as
