BRADFORD boxer Tasif Khan is feeling physically and mentally strong and ready to bring a "prestigious belt" back to his home city, he said last night.
The Girlington-born fighter, who will take on Ghana's Isaac Quaye on Saturday for the WBF International Super Flyweight Championship, said he was in good condition following a recent training camp in Spain.
"I'm feeling good and strong, physically and mentally. I have got good support from fans and sponsors. The fans have been absolutely superb and will turn up in numbers," he said.
Khan, who works as a part-time PE teacher at Atlas Community Primary School in Bradford, said the upcoming bout in Liverpool was one of the biggest of his career.
"It's a prestigious belt that was formerly held by (Bradford-born) Junior Witter. I want to bring that belt home to Bradford," he said.
Khan, 32, admitted he was the underdog.
"He's (Quaye) had a lot of wins and is a lot higher than me in the world rankings. The bonus is that there's a big belt on the line," he said.
Khan is also looking forward to fighting in his home city at St George's Hall in November.
He was speaking at a civic reception at Bradford City Hall hosted by the Lord Mayor Councillor Joanne Dodds, who said: "Tasif is a good role model and does so much in the community as well. I first met him some time ago and I thought it was fantastic what he was doing.
"I really wish him well for the fight on Saturday, which is a really big thing for Bradford.
"He is a real inspiration to the young people of the district in his attitude and dedication to the sport."
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