Sam ‘The Punisher’ Abdulrahim fight to attract who’s who of Melbourne’s underworld

A collection of Melbourne’s most notorious underworld figures will be ringside for gangland identity Sam “The Punisher” Abdulrahim’s boxing comeback.

Sam Abdulrahim is making his fight comeback less than a year after he was shot eight times. Picture: Jason Edwards

Gangland identity Sam “The Punisher” Abdulrahim will make his boxing comeback in a fight he has touted as “the greatest battle” of his life.

The underworld figure, who survived being shot eight times as he left his cousin’s funeral in Melbourne’s north last year, says he is “determined to prove himself” during Saturday’s fight against Fijian Filimoni Naliva Jr.

The event at Thomastown’s Q-room is expected to draw the who’s who of Melbourne’s organised crime world, including many of Abdulrahim’s former OMCG associates.

Abdulrahim says he has stepped away from gang life and is focused on his career and daughter.

“Eleven months ago life took an unexpected turn,” the Abdulrahim camp said.

“Sam acknowledges that his greatest battle to date was his will to fight to stay alive for his daughter.

Abdulrahim will take on Fijian Filimoni Naliva Jr. Picture: Supplied

Abdulrahim was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.

“Learning to get back on his feet and walk again, Sam was determined to prove to himself and his family that he was not a weak man.”

Abdulrahim was rushed to hospital in a critical condition after he was shot while sitting in his Mercedes-Benz G-class during a funeral procession in Fawkner.

The following day, an image of the former bikie’s bullet-ridden chest emerged online.

Abdulrahim returned to the ring two months later, a feat he attributes to controversial biochemist Shane Carter, best known for his role in the Essendon supplements scandal.

“Backed by will and determination, Sam set in motion a plan to resume boxing and found ways to push himself every single day,” his camp said.

“Despite setbacks and enduring pain often causing sleepless nights, Sam often questioned whether he would ever get back to the way he was.

Abdulrahim’s former Mongol mate Toby Mitchell is expected to be ringside. Picture: Ian Currie

“His strength though commendable, did not only come from his physical capacity, but from an indomitable will to achieve his goal and faith in God.

“He was determined to fulfil a dream he once had of fighting for a WBC Australasian title.”

Dozens of police are expected to saturate the venue on Saturday, including members from the crime-busting VIPER taskforce, uniformed officers and plain clothed detectives.

All eyes will be on attendees, many of Abdulrahim’s former Mongol OMCG mates, including notorious bikie Toby Mitchell.

“Victoria Police is aware of a planned sporting event in Thomastown on Saturday night,” a police spokeswoman said.

“Police have actively engaged with the organisers and will have a presence at the venue and the surrounding area on the night.”