You don't hear as much about boxing since Mixed Martial Arts has a much more visible presence in sports, but a man from Muskegon, Mich., is making big noise in the ring.

When I was a kid growing up we had boxers Muhammed Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns, Marvin Hagler, Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson just to name a few of the greats who were constantly in the headlines. These days, other than the occasional Floyd Mayweather fight, you just don't hear much about boxing anymore.

Well a man in Muskegon has worked his way to the top of the boxing world and has now become a world title contender.

According to FOX 17, 17-0 Ra'eese "The Beast" Aleem had a big win on Saturday night defeating Marcus Bates at Mohegan Sun Arena by TKO in a fight that was showcased on Showtime.

Aleem spoke with FOX 17 and said, "it still hasn't sunk in yet, but I feel good you know it's just another fight in the books one step closer to ultimately fighting for the world title."

30-year-old Aleem was born in raised in the Muskegon and no longer has to put fruit on shelves and stock products as he has advanced to stardom in the world of boxing.

Aleem said, "I still feel like this was a huge jump in my career. I am from a smaller town in Muskegon, Michigan, I wasn't born in Las Vegas or California you know where you have a lot of eyes. I had to earn everything, I had to claw to get to where I'm at, so it makes that much sweeter."

The unbeaten 30 year-old was born and raised in Muskegon.

Aleem added, "I just want to be a role model. If I can just make one person just believe in their dreams and not give up no matter what they're doing. They don't have to be an athlete, they can be trying to be a doctor, a lawyer, but going through trials and tribulations, just overcome and don't stop until you get there."

Still no word on who Aleem's next fight will be with but he has now aligned himself with a shot for a championship belt.

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