Aji Alese steps up rehabilitation with session alongside boxer Johnny Fisher | OneFootball

Aji Alese has been pictured training with British heavyweight Johnny Fisher as the Sunderland defender continues his injury comeback.

According to Sunderland Echo, the 25-year-old was ruled out for the remainder of last season after a serious groin injury while on loan at Portsmouth. He suffered it shortly after coming off the bench on debut in a defeat to Preston North End.

The loan was intended to give him minutes after a long spell without regular first-team football, but his return lasted only a handful of minutes. Fisher, 27, has won 14 of his 15 professional bouts, 12 by knockout.

There is a personal link, as Alese was coached at local youth level by Fisher’s father, also called Johnny Fisher. He joined Sunderland from West Ham United in July 2022 and impressed early with his physicality and versatility before injuries checked his momentum.

Before the groin issue, he had already gone more than a year without a Sunderland first-team appearance due to a serious shoulder problem. He was also sidelined for an extended spell after breaking his leg in January 2025, and has made 46 appearances in all competitions across four seasons.

Sunderland will monitor his rehabilitation at the Academy of Light, with Alese under contract as the club prepare for a demanding campaign that includes Premier League and Europa League football.

Source: Sunderland Echo