Sam ‘The Punisher’ Abdulrahim locks in fight return after shooting

Underworld identity Sam “The Punisher” Abdulrahim has locked in his return to the professional boxing, less than a year after being shot eight times.

Abdulrahim recovers in hospital from his bullet wounds. Picture: Supplied

Underworld identity Sam “The Punisher” Abdulrahim will return to professional boxing in a highly-anticipated comeback fight, less than a year after he was shot eight times in a botched kill plot.

It can be revealed Abdulrahim, who survived a drive-by shooting ambush in Fawkner last year, will return to the ring against Fijian Filimoni Naliva Jr on May 6 at Thomastown venue Q Room.

Hundreds of spectators are expected to watch Abdulrahim’s attempt to win the coveted WBC Asia Pacific Title, including ex-Mongols OMCG allies Toby Mitchell, Mark Balsillie and Jason Addison, as well as many prominent members of Melbourne’s Middle Eastern organised crime network.

Sam Abdulrahim returned to training shortly after the attack. Picture: Instagram

Trainer, manager and promoter Pierre Karam said Abdulrahim’s recovery from being critically wounded to fully fit was remarkable.

“He’s coming back with a bang,” Karam told the Herald Sun.

“Sam’s recovery has been absolutely amazing, a miracle.

“It just shows it wasn’t his time to go, he’s here for a reason and not a season.

“I’ve said this is for Sam to prove to himself that whatever obstacles life throws at you, you show you can come back from anything and be 10 times better than when you left.”

Karam, a former sparring partner of American professional boxer Thomas Hearns, described Abdulrahim as a “special kid” who was “like a brother” to him.

“When Sam was shot, I thought, this is not good,” he said.

“I thought, this is a career breaker, but Sam’s determination to get back to where he was has been incredible.

“He will never let anyone say he cannot do something.

Abdulrahim will fight for the WBC Asia Pacific Title. Picture: Supplied

“For someone to shoot him at his cousin’s funeral, that was the lowest of the low. To do something like that was spineless.”

Karam said Abdulrahim was prepared for the imminent fight.

“Eyes will be watching everywhere,” he said.

“There’s always going to be jealous people. I want him to do his best, lay it all on the table and have no regrets.”

In December Victoria Police obtained warrants to arrest two men wanted over Abdulrahim’s attempted murder.

The two 19-year-old men are believed to have fled to the Middle East in the days after the daylight shooting.

The men will be charged with attempted murder and other serious criminal offences upon their return to Australia.

In September, 18-year-old Yasir Al Qassim, of Epping, was charged with attempted murder over his alleged role in the shooting.

Abdulrahim declined to comment.

In a statement Victoria Police said: “Police regularly conduct risk assessments prior to events to ensure the safety and security of the community. Victoria Police does not comment on intelligence holdings.”

The investigation is ongoing.