Sunderland defender pictured training with British boxing star as injury comeback continues
Aji Alese is continuing his recovery after an injury-hit spell away from Sunderland’s first team
Aji Alese has been pictured training alongside British heavyweight boxer Johnny Fisher as the Sunderland defender continues his injury comeback.
The 25-year-old has endured a difficult spell on the injury front and was ruled out for the remainder of last season after suffering a serious groin injury while on loan at Portsmouth. Alese sustained the problem shortly after coming off the bench during Portsmouth’s defeat to Preston North End - his debut appearance for the Championship club following his January switch from Sunderland.
The loan move had been designed to give him valuable minutes after a long spell without regular first-team football, but his return to competitive action lasted only a handful of minutes before he was forced back onto the treatment table. The defender has now been pictured in the gym with Fisher, the popular British heavyweight nicknamed “The Romford Bull”. Fisher, 27, has won 14 of his 15 professional fights, with 12 victories coming by knockout.
There is also a personal connection between the pair. Alese was coached at local youth football level by Fisher’s father, also called Johnny Fisher, before going on to build his own career in the professional game. Alese joined Sunderland from West Ham United in July 2022. His early performances underlined his physical presence, athleticism and ability to play across the back line, but injuries have badly disrupted his momentum in recent seasons.
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Before the groin issue at Portsmouth, Alese had already spent more than a year without a Sunderland first-team appearance following a serious shoulder problem. He had also previously been ruled out for an extended period after breaking his leg in January 2025. Indeed, Alese has been limited to just 46 appearances in all competitions for Sunderland in four seasons at the North East club.
The latest update offers a positive sign that Alese is back working in the gym as he continues his recovery. Sunderland will monitor his rehabilitation closely at the Academy of Light, with the defender still under contract as the club prepare for another demanding campaign involving Premier League and Europa League football.