Yorkshire boxer Ismail Khan is the first boxer from the region to win the English title belt outright, by defending it three times.
His final defence took place on 18th February at the Magna Centre in Rotherham, seeing Ismail win the vacant 52kg English title, beating Muzi Fuyana from Middlesbrough.
It was a thrilling bout, with both young men fighting at the highest level, but in the end it was Ismail’s lightning hand speed and swift footwork that saw him take the title, securing a unanimous win in the final round.
Two weeks prior to this win, the 19-year-old Hunslet man won gold in the England University Championships.
Ismail is now training twice a day, every day, working towards the England Boxing Senior Elite Championships which start on the 18th March.
Ismail said: “I am feeling fit, strong and sharp, and very confident ahead of the championships. I train at the Hunslet Boxing Club alongside a great team of boxers and coaches who push me and help me prepare for my upcoming tournament.”
Ismail started training at the age of 6, and started competing at the age of 11. He is now working hard towards his dream of getting on team GB and competing in the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2020.
Rash Khan, Ismail’s father and coach said: “I always get a little nervous before Ismail fights but I know how hard he trains and he is more than ready for any opponent he is up against.
“I am very proud of what he has achieved so far and I will continue to support him. I believe he’s got an amazing team around him at the Hunslet Boxing Club, so we will see what the future holds.”
