Ali Salaam, father/trainer of Tony Harrison, dies from coronvirus
Tony Harrison has lost his father and trainer to the coronavirus.
Ali Salaam, a fixture in the Detroit boxing scene for many years, died Monday. He was 59. Harrison confirmed the passing of his father on Instagram.
“You was in a tough fight and you went the distance,” Harrison wrote. “The decision just didn’t go our way, but we was together every step of the way. What more could I ask!!!! My right hand forever. Get some rest, pops. It ain’t goodbye. Just see you later!!”
The family has deep roots in boxing. Salaam’s father, the late Henry Hank (born Joseph Harrison and later Jusuf Salaam), was a middleweight and light heavyweight contender from 1953 to 1972. Salaam fought professionally from 1984 to 1989, compiling a record of 11-7 (5 KOs) mostly as a welterweight.
Salaam then became a trainer. He helped guide his talented son to a 154-pound championship, which he won by upsetting Jermell Charlo in December 2018. Charlo regained the title when he stopped Harrison in 11 rounds this past December.
Salaam also ran the SuperBad Boxing Gym with Harrison. The gym serves youth in the area.
Another son of Salaam, Lloyd, played professional basketball in Europe.