After an impressive performance last Sunday, Ra’eese “The Beast” Aleem (20-0, 12 KOs), lived up to his nickname when he clearly defeated “Magic” Mike Plania (26-2, 13 KOs) , through a ten round unanimous decision, in a way unlike any previous fighter.
Aleem snapped Plania’s 11-fight win streak on the Andy Ruiz Jr. vs. undercard. Luis Ortiz, a PBC event on FS1.
It’s clear Aleem wants unified super bantamweight champion Stephen Fulton (21-0, 8 KOs), as he said after the fight. Aleem has earned the right to fight Fulton and a shot at a world title, and here’s why.
world rankings
Aleem is currently ranked #4 in the world by BoxRec.com, and #2 in the United States behind Fulton by that same rating metric. Aleem also won a match that made him the WBO NABO champion, upgrading his WBO 122-pound ranking. division, a division in which Fulton is the champion. Aleem was also previously the number 1 contender in the WBA world rankings.
An easy fight to make
Additionally, Aleem is undefeated in twenty professional fights with twelve wins by knockout, having fought multiple times on Showtime, the same network Fulton won his world title on. Also, the fight is very easy to do as all parties involved have fought under the PBC banner.
“I wish boxing politics didn’t play such a big role in the sport, but it does and Murodjon Akhmadaliev, the other unified champion in the division, is on the other side of the fence with another net,” Aleem said. “I fight on Showtime and have fought on this network several times, including on the same cards as Stephen Fulton. I have served as the co-main event for their main matches on two separate occasions. I know fight fans really want to see this fight, especially after my last performance on Sunday. Now I just need the media to demand it.”
No other fighter makes sense to Fulton right now.
No other fighter is available as Luis Nery, the No. 1 contender to face Fulton, is scheduled for a fight soon, and Akhmadaliev is looking to make a world title defense, along with network politics standing in the way. of that fight.
In terms of a fight in the United States, no other fight for Fulton offers the expectation of Ra’eese Aleem. Aleem is making fans, and even veteran broadcasters like Al Bernstein, wonder what would happen if the two were to fight.
“We both fight on PBC, either he leaves, or he fights me, it’s really simple,” Aleem said in frustration. “I think it’s funny that he’s using that language, it sounds like he’s getting sidetracked, maybe he’s scared to fight, in response to veteran broadcaster Al Bernstein’s tweet.
“I’ve never bad-mouthed anyone, but it seems like Fulton has a lot of nervous energy surrounding this fight and is lashing out at people who are excited about this potential matchup. People consider him the best fighter in the super bantamweight division, that’s why I want to fight, because I think I can beat him. This is a big money fight for both of us, and he should take it, instead he is being cowardly with his responses.”
He earned his way here
Aleem has waited years for a title shot as he worked his way from the club circuit to television for a chance to take on the best. Aleem is a former WBA No. 1 contender who has faced five tough opponents in a row.
Those opponents include:
Mike Plania, who was coming off an eleven-fight winning streak. Eduardo Baez, who would face Emanuel Navarrete in his next fight, and would also give him a tough fight. Vic Pasillas, who was undefeated at the time, and being touted by veteran broadcasters as a future world champion. Marcus Bates, a fighter Aleem defeated to take his undefeated record, whom he faced in a televised rematch and emerged victorious for the second time. Adam Lopez was a tough contender who never fought again after being stopped by Aleem.
Aleem earned his footing in the sport by fighting the toughest opponents he could face without backing down from a challenge. Aleem never turned down an opponent and dominated fights against elite competition on numerous occasions, including his last outing on Sunday. Each of Aleem’s televised fights has seen him become the world title challenger that he rightfully is today.
“I am motivated by the fans, the broadcasters and the members of the media who are demanding to see this fight,” concluded Aleem. “Hearing the crowd say it, and the way he’s carrying himself makes it clear that I’m Stephen Fulton’s biggest threat in the division. In today’s world, we need the best fighters to chase after glory and see who is truly the best.
“I am tired of boxing being a second-tier sport that is ignored because we neglect the fans to get the fights they want to see. I want to make the best fights possible, but Fulton runs scared. Let’s be honest, there’s no point in any of us fighting someone else right now. I rise to the occasion every time I step into the ring, and this will be no different. If I get the chance, I’ll be the man to beat Stephen Fulton.”
