Teen boxer Ali Tazeem died in Wolverhampton crash within streets of his home - friend - Birmingham Live

Wolverhampton's boxing star Ali Tazeem was passenger in car that hit wall

A close friend of tragic teen boxer Ali Tazeem has told how the talented sportsman was killed within streets of his Wolverhampton home in a horror smash. Training partner Mudassar Javaid said Ali was a passenger in the red Vauxhall Corsa that crashed into a wall in Chapel Ash.

Mudassar Javaid was a good friend of Ali as his boxing training partner at Walsall's Pound 4 Pound Boxing Academy. He described being left "devastated" by the death of Ali, who he treated like "a little brother".

Musassar said Ali was a passenger in the red Corsa that was the only car involved in the crash in Oaks Drive, off Merivale Road, Wolverhampton, yesterday. West Midlands Police has said an 18-year-old passenger died and the driver, also 18, was in a critical condition in hospital after a Corsa hit a wall in the horror smash in Oaks Drive at around 1.45am.

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

The police force added that the 18-year-old passenger "was sadly confirmed dead at the scene" in Chapel Ash. Officers are appealing for witnesses to come forward to help the investigation into the single car crash.

"Ali was like my little brother," said Mudassar. "He was very humble and respectful everywhere he went, and always smiling. I'm going to miss him so much.

"Ali wasn't far from his house in Wolverhampton when the crash happened. His family are devastated. I've been told that the driver was dropping Ali home and the car went into a wall.

"Ali and his dad, Touheed Ali, have been like a tag team since he was young and his dad is his number one supporter. We were going to start out pro journey together and had three fights scheduled for the year ahead with a big promotion.

"We spent time in training sessions together, travelling to shows and in the gym. It won't be the same now. Everything was set up but he was taken too soon.

"Even though he didn't make it to his professional debut, he's left a great legacy so people won't forget him. Ali had so many friends. He had love in every city. He's gone but not forgotten."

Boxing since he was eight, Ali was the middle child of three sons who was tipped to be "the next Amir Khan". Ali's youngest brother also boxes at the same gym while his older brother is a big fan of the sport and watched all his bouts.

Amir Khan visited Ali's family and friends in Aston last night to pay his condolences to the teenage boxer, who he had met and mentored in the past. The Olympic silver medallist and former unified light-welterweight world champion described him as a 'big loss' to the sport.

Heartbreaking tributes have flooded in for Ali on how he was "a superstar in the making."