Some of the region’s best boxing prospects are to take centre stage in front of a bumper home crowd this September.


The talented Shakeeb Ali will be making his pro debut on September 6 at King George’s Hall, Blackburn whilst Qasim ‘Cast Iron’ Niaz will hope to continue his great form. 


Accrington’s Artif Ali has won four bouts on the bounce but will this time be fighting at super bantam weight level and over six rounds for the first time.
He said, “I am really looking forward to it. There is a great buzz around town and I can’t wait to get back into the ring.”

 

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Like the other fighters he has been training hard through Ramadan. “I was training every single night after iftari. I was at Tyson’s fitness Gym in Accrington who were a great help.  Hopefully the hard work will pay off.”


Also on the bill will the likes of Adam Machaj, Luke Blackledge, Kurt Grieve, Stevie Taylor, AJ Faizy and Morgan Jackson.


It is set to be a great line-up for professional boxing in the area and excitement is already building. 

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Qasim said, “Knowing it’s in Blackburn in front of my home people makes me train even harder because I know it’s going to be a sold-out venue.


“I don’t think they have had a professional boxing event at King George’s Hall since the 1970s and so early in my career I get the chance to show my home town what I can do.”


Trainer Kevin Maree added. “It’s one of the best things to happen to this area for a while, to get the different communities together, and that’s what boxing’s about.”


“It’s great for the area to have so many Asians and white kids mixing together in the gyms, people will all bring their fans on the night and it will be a great atmosphere."

Haidher Riaz, who trains with Maree, will miss the chance to fight in his home town as he recovers from a wrist operation.

Anyone wanting tickets can call 07729 902820 (Shakeeb), 07715573609 (Qasim) and 07716 134918 (Artif). Tickets are £30 £40 and £50 ringside.