A teenage boxing star dubbed the “next Amir Khan” has been reportedly killed in a car crash in the West Midlands.

Ali Tazeem, aged 18 from Wolverhampton, had just signed a professional contract after winning his final amateur bout with a dazzling performance in front of a packed crowd.

The popular young boxer was once praised by British boxing great Amir Khan, who predicted: “He will be the next me and make history.”

However Ali’s death was confirmed on Sunday by promoter Sam Jones, who said on Twitter: “This morning I woke up to the news that @_AliTazeem has passed away at the age of 18

“I can’t believe it I can’t even process it properly

“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.”

Pensioner riding buses to stay warm among those struggling in worst neighbourhood for fuel poverty

Ukraine war: Xenophobic attacks and death threats reported by Russians living in the UK

Ukraine invasion: Russian State Ballet performances cancelled at several UK theatres

Police said they were investigating a fatal crash in Wolverhampton in the early hours of Sunday morning.

An 18-year-old passenger died in the collision and the driver, also 18, was taken to hospital with critical injuries.

West Midlands Police have not yet named those involved in the fatal crash.

Former unified light-welterweight world champion Khan paid tribute to Ali, who he said was the son of his friend ‘Tee’.

He posted on Twitter: “Went to show my respect for loss of my dear friend Tee’s son, Ali tazeem.

“Rip champ, a big loss for in the british Asian boxing community 🙏.”

There were high hopes for Ali’s career in the weeks before his death, with Mr Jones saying he had “all the tools to make it to the very top of this sport”.

Ali himself, on signing his professional contract, said: “I’ve made a lot of moves inside the ring, but the best move I’ve made in my career is signing with Probellum

“With hard work and dedication, I know I can be the best in the business, especially with the support of Sam Jones, Probellum, my team and great people around me.”

Related posts:

‘Smell training’ prescribed to tackle COVID-19 scent loss ‘It’s greed – pure greed’: Only a total overhaul at the top will satisfy these Manchester United fans Fares Maatou: 14-year-old boy charged with teenager’s murder in Newham Former soldier on trial over fatal shooting in Northern Ireland has died after getting COVID Alta Fixsler, 2, dies with ‘parents by her side’ after life support machine is switched off ‘I am ashamed’: Cricketer Azeem Rafiq apologises for antisemitic messages in 2011 NHS to tackle ‘unacceptable inequalities’ in maternity care Man who stalked Emma Raducanu and stole her dad’s shoe handed restraining order ‘Adapt or die’: Climate change expected to make destructive flooding worse with more lives put at risk ‘This is win or die’: Ukrainian ambassador thanks UK as thousands join anti-war rally Man arrested as police release picture of mother stabbed to death while children were at school UK to be hit by cold front sending temperatures plummeting as low as minus 5C