It has been three years since the tragic passing of young boxing prodigy Haaver Ali Toheed Tazeem, affectionately known as Ali Tazeem. On April 17, 2022, the 18-year-old lost his life in a fatal car accident in Wolverhampton, a devastating event that sent shockwaves through the British Asian boxing community.

Often hailed as the ‘next Amir Khan,’ Ali Tazeem had signed a professional contract and was seen as a rising star in the sport. His death marked not only the loss of a gifted athlete but also of a dream just beginning to unfold. Former world champion Amir Khan, who once said, “He will be the next me and make history,” was among the many who mourned the untimely loss. Ali began his boxing journey at the age of eight at Priory Park Boxing Club in Dudley while attending Colton Hills Community School. He later trained at Prospects Amateur Boxing Club in Derby before joining Pound 4 Pound Boxing Academy in Walsall. The gym was founded by his father, Mr. Toheed Tazeem, lovingly known as Dr. Tee.

When someone so young leaves us, the grief echoes, even among the icons

Marking the anniversary, Pound 4 Pound Boxing Academy posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. “3YRS ❤️🕊️ 17-04-2022 May Allah swt grant him the highest rank in Jannah Al fidous, Ameen,” the message read. Soon, messages of remembrance and love began pouring in for Ali Tazeem.

Honoring the young talent gone too soon, boxing legend Amir Khan paid tribute on his Instagram Story, “RIP champ.” Just a day after Ali’s passing, @boxingkingmedia shared a poignant photograph of Ali Tazeem alongside another boxing icon, Floyd Mayweather Sr.

The loss has been especially devastating for Mr. Toheed Tazeem, Ali’s father. He had described his son as his ‘best mate.’ “He was not just my son; he was my best mate. We traveled the world together, from Cuba to tournaments around the world. Ali was just winning everything, getting the best boxer of the tournament.”

Tributes from followers poured in, expressing the deep emotional connection Ali had made in his short time.

Heartache echoed across the boxing world and beyond

Expressing their love and remembrance, this user said, “Think about you lots, always in our thoughts ❤️.” Given how Ali Tazeem had been rising through the ranks, the words clearly reflect a deep sense of loss. They are evidence of an emotional connection that not only the user, but perhaps many others, still feel, finding it difficult to let go of Ali Tazeem’s memory.

Another offered a prayer, “Ameen. Always in our thoughts and prayers.” It is clear that Ali Tazeem continues to be remembered and prayed for by many. IBO light heavyweight titleholder and British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) 2024 Young Boxer of the Year award recipient Adam Azim also joined in paying his tribute. “❤️❤️,” though a simple and straightforward message, nevertheless shows what Ali Tazeem meant to everyone. Sometimes the weight of loss is beyond words.

In a touching show of solidarity, one family shared, “Sending love from the Gibbons family. ❤️.” In doing so, they extended a heartfelt gesture of support to Ali Tazeem’s family and loved ones during their time of deepest need.

Another tribute read, “Allah raise his station . 🤲🏽💙.” A gentle, spiritual prayer asking that Ali be granted the highest ranks in the afterlife. It reflects the love and respect he still holds in the hearts of many.

Remembering Ali Tazeem, back in 2022, Sam Jones, whose team Ali had joined to begin his professional journey, had said, “(Ali Tazeem had) all the tools to make it to the very top of this sport.”

With a promising life tragically cut short, the loss of Ali Tazeem has been a profound heartbreak, especially for his family. Yet, the outpouring of love from the British Asian boxing community and countless others ensures that Ali’s legacy lives on. Though he left this world far too early, his memory and impact remain unforgettable.

You’re welcome to share your message of remembrance and support in the comments below.