Teen boxer Ali Tazeem heralded as 'next Amir Khan' killed in car crash near Birmingham

Talented teenage Black Country boxer Ali Tazeem, who has been dubbed 'the next Amir Khan', has died in a car crash near Birmingham. The boxing world was today in mourning for the boxer following his shock death at the tender age of 18.

Wolverhampton -born Tazeem was part of Walsall's Pound 4 Pound Boxing Academy and has spent the past week training with Floyd Mayweather Senior. He was tipped as a one to watch, winning 15 international gold medals.

Sam Jones, Head Of Talent Relations at Probellum, which signed Ali Tazeem, tweeted: "This morning I woke up to the news that Ali Tazeem has passed away at the age of 18. I can’t believe it I can’t even process it properly.

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"We only spoke yesterday talking about how he was going to light up the pro game, all I can think about is Ali and his lovely family."

Tazeem had even met Olympic silver medallist Amir Khan, who had said "he will be the next me and make history". Although only a teenager, he had caught the attention of boxing promoters for his lightning-quick reflexes and defensive capabilities.

His record as an amateur includes 45 successes and he had won medals at events including the Monkstown Box Cup. Tributes flooded in today for the rising star and condolences to his family, including his dad Dr Tee.

Birmingham Labour Councillor Majid Mahmood, for Bromford and Hodge Hill, said: "I’m shocked and saddened that Ali Tazeem has left this temporary world. A young, very talented, humble and very well-liked boxer who turned professional this year and was destined to become a champion."

Shahbaz Aslam from the boxing community added: "Such sad news, devastating to hear the passing of such a great young lad passing away so young. Life’s too short for sure, May Allah bless him with heaven in this beautiful month of Ramadhan and grant his family and friends ease to come to terms with this loss."

Ali, who is connected to Pound 4 Pound and knows the family said: "Ali Tazeem is my friend Dr Tee's son and an immense talent age 18. His amateur record was 50-7. He was amazing, special and extremely talented. The good die young. I’m heartbroken for his family and for boxing.

"Pound4Pound Boxing Academy was set up in memory of Dr Tee’s friend Liaqat Ali who used to take their son boxing. Liaqat suddenly passed away and now this tragedy losing the rising star."