Born in London, Ali Forbes began his professional career in February 1989 at the age of 28 with a win over David Haycock.
Unbeaten in his first seven fights he suffered his first defeat in March 1992 when he challenged Ian Strudwick for the BBBofC Southern Area super middleweight title, losing on points.
When Strudwick vacated the title Forbes got a second chance in March 1994 against Richard Bustin, this time winning on points.
In January 1995 he beat Fidel Castro Smith on points at the York Hall to become British super middleweight champion.
In March 2000 he challenged for Mark Baker's WBF World light heavyweight title, losing on points.