Exciting boxer signs with solicitors as ‘rise to the top’ begins
One of Bradford’s top boxing prospects says he ‘will’ be world champion one day and at just 18-years-old, it seems the world is at his feet.
Hamed Ghaz, from Undercliffe, has had two pro fights since turning professional last year, picking up two victories as he makes his first impression on the senior light welterweight stage.
Compared to a young Robert Duran, the teenage ace trains out of Burmantofts Amateur Boxing Club and has recently completed warm weather training in Marbella alongside the likes of Adil Anwar.
It has always been his ambition to break into the professional ranks and after a convincing start to his career, following on from a highly impressive amateur back-ground, Ghaz says now is the time for the hard work to begin.
“As soon as I turned 18, I turned professional because I have always been told that my style is one which is best suited to the professional sport,” he said.
“I had 34 amateur fights and was Yorkshire champion three times but I knew I had to make the step up as soon as possible to help me progress.
“I look up to Robert Duran as an idol. I watch videos of his fights all the time and I have a similar style to him so he is my idol in the sport.”
In Ghaz’s debut against Jason Nesbitt in November 2014, the young fighter got his first taste of the professional leagues, eventually winning on points at Leeds’ Elland Road Banqueting Suite.
Four months later and he was back in action at the same venue, this time knocking out his opponent in just over two and a half minutes, showing the other side of his hard hitting repertoire.
“The fights so far have been really good experience,” he added. “My aim is to one day be world champion but at the moment I just want to get some wins under my belt and climb the ladder.”
Bradford-based S H Dad Solicitors are one of the rising star’s sponsors and Ghaz says he is thankful for all the support he has received.
“They have been great with me since day one and I wouldn’t have been able to get to some of the places I have without their support.
“By providing me with sponsorship it has allowed me to progress onto televised shows and show my talents to a wider audience.”
Shazad Dad, owner of the solicitors, said it was a corporate responsibility to support local talent to ensure they can achieve what they are capable of, adding Shazad was a great example of ‘exciting potential’.
“I am a big boxing fan myself and I think it is very important that we support our local talent,” he said. “Growing up it is a great way of keeping out of trouble and the sport can really encourage kids to push themselves that little bit harder.
“We want to encourage boxers, such as Hamed, to keep pursuing success in the sport. I’ve seen him fight and he has real exciting potential and I’m confident he has a bright future ahead of him.”
