KhalidAli

"the Bengal Tiger"

The welterweight, hails from the heart of Brick Lane in London and is trained in Bethnal Green by Roger Hunt – a nephew of former world champion Maurice Hope – and his own father, Wolid.

“The fans can expect someone strong and confident,” pointed out Khalid, by way of an introduction. “I want to be the best out of the young crop. Frank signs a lot of young people and amateur stars and I want to prove I am one of the best.

“This is a fabulous opportunity for myself and it is great for my community. Hamzah Sheeraz, his father and the whole team, helped me get this opportunity and I am so grateful. I cannot wait to showcase my skills.”

Khalid is following in his father’s footsteps, who was also a product of the Repton and steeped in the sport.

“I started off at Newham ABC when I was eight or nine and had my first four amateur fights from there. In my fourth fight I fought a multi-national champion and lost, due to being cocky! After that I had a bit of a gap year and trained in my dad’s gym, working with top pros to learn my trade.

“When I was 15 I went to Repton and had around 25 fights, losing something like five. I won the Londons, boxed for England and suffered a bad decision in the Haringey finals. I was on the same amateur team as Dennis McCann, Adan Mohamed, Henry Turner and all the other Repton boys.

“My father is a boxing man and has been in the game since he was 16. He used to be at Repton when he was younger and always said to the coaches that he would bring his son down eventually. My dad is one of the most important people in my boxing career and has taught me so much, everything really.”

Khalid states that his style of fighting is anything but basic, but insists he did not model himself on the obvious Asian inspirations. In fact, he might well be one of a kind in being a Bengali turning professional in boxing.

“Oh yeah, I am flashy! I also hit hard and look good as well. It just comes naturally, I watch fights but I don’t try to be like anyone. I think some fighters watch Prince Naseem too much and want to be like him instead of being themselves.

“As far as I am aware, I will be one of the first British Bengalis to be signed by Frank Warren. Hopefully I can inspire other kids because loads of Bengali kids are good and just don’t get the opportunity.

“Naseem was the first to inspire Asian kids, Amir Khan was the second and Hamzah will be the third. Hopefully I will help other Bengali kids to turn professional and be successful,” added Khalid, who will get to launch his professional journey in early 2021.

“I am always in the gym. I just need six weeks to turn up the oven and I will be ready to go.”