ThinAir Sports sponsor diabetic boxer Muhammad Ali ahead of second pro fight

Chris Kavanagh, CEO of ThinAir Sports and Muhammad Ali

Type one diabetic boxer Muhammad Ali, from Rochdale, has signed a new sponsorship with local company ThinAir Sports ahead of his second professional fight on 17 November.

Based at David Lloyds Gyms, Bowlee, ThinAir Sports offers the benefits of high-altitude training without needing to go up a mountain.

Altitude training works by exposure to lower oxygen levels, which forces your body into producing new red blood cells to carry more oxygen and work more efficiently.

Ali made history on 15 September after winning his professional debut, becoming the first UK boxer with type one diabetes to fight, following a three-year battle against the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC).

www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/4/sport-news/122190/boxing-historic-victory-debut-for-uks-first-diabetic-boxer

www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/4/sport-news/118677/type-one-diabetic-boxer-from-rochdale-first-to-be-granted-professional-licence

Ali had previously had his application for a professional licence turned down by the BBBofC as a result of his medical condition, because checking blood sugar levels during a fight would be ‘too disruptive’ – despite contradictory advice from the national governing body for boxing.

With the support of his manager, Asad Shamim, and medical doctor, Ian Gallan, a leading diabetes consultant in the UK, the decision was overturned.

Ali will next be in the ring for his second professional fight at Victoria Warehouse on 17 November.