Bradford boxer Tasif Khan named amongst 'most influential'

The paper conducted their annual search for the most inspiring and dedicated people in the region and Khan was one of 20 individuals from Bradford to receive this accolade.

It comes after a stellar 2023 in which the boxing star was rewarded for his bravery in the ring but also for his endeavours outside the ring.

In June he defeated David Barreto in Ghana to be crowned WBC Silver Super Flyweight champion and only a month prior to that he’d opened his very own ‘Tasif Khan Community Boxing Academy’ on Sunbridge Road in Bradford.

Following his latest achievement of being named as one of the city’s most influential people, Khan said: “I’m extremely proud and humbled to have received this recognition. To achieve what I have so far in my career, it wouldn’t have been possible without the support from everyone.

“To come from a spall place like Bradford, it means the world to me. I feel honoured to represent this great town on the national and world stage in a sport like boxing, which, of course, brings a lot of eyes to it.

“I’d like to think that I continue to inspire people from the city, and my aim will be to continue to do so moving forward. Whoever nominated me for this award, I thank you.”

Khan’s Community Boxing Academy finally opened in May after a couple years of trying to get things off the ground.

Reflecting on the first eight months, he said: “It’s been a great start to life at the boxing academy. It took as a while to get things moving, but now that we have our own space, it’s really coming along.

“As much as I’ve done some great things in my boxing career, it’s important that I give back to the community. There are many lessons learnt when boxing, whether it’s mental strength, resilience or physical strength. If I can teach any valuable lesson to my students, or help them stay off the streets for example, then I’ll be happy.”

Nissar Hussain and Tasif Khan following their academy opening (Image: Joe Ibbotson)

Khan hasn’t thought since June 2023 when he beat Barreto with a KO, and with his record standing 17-1-2, the Bradford fighter admitted that his next bout might not be too far away.

He said: “Discussions are underway with my manager and Monarch Promotions, but we’ve said that there isn’t much point in taking the lesser fights anymore.  The big fights are what I’m chasing, and I’ve shown before that I’m willing to go out of my comfort zone.

“From what I know, the aim is to agree a fight deal in February or March, so I’m aiming to be back in the ring for around that time.

“Hopefully, I’ll have some big news regarding that in the next few weeks.”