Future is bright for Bradford Police Amateur Boxing Club duo

First up is Esa Hussain, 16, who has only been training at the West Yorkshire based club for two years.

However, a quick rise in the Amateur boxing scene has already resulted in the teenager being crowned Yorkshire champion, with his victory taking place at the beginning of October in Bridlington.

Discussing the rapid rise of Hussain, Imran Razak, head coach at Bradford Police ABC, said: “The progression Esa has shown in such a short space of time is crazy.

“He only joined me here two years ago, and I’ve got to admit it’s been amazing seeing him grow as a person and as a fighter during this time.

“Esa joined the gym because a couple of his friends were into boxing, and I could see as soon as he joined that he wanted to take this very seriously.”

He added: “Esa can be harsh on himself, and he has been since winning that title at the start of October because he lost in the national quarter finals after that accomplishment.

“However, he needs to realise that becoming a Yorkshire champion at amateur level, particularly in a two-year period is just brilliant.

“If he keeps working hard and continues to show commitment, then I can see him having a bright future in the sport.”

Another fighter who is making strong progress within the amateur game is Saleena Razak, 14, daughter of coach Imran.

SSaleena Razak after her Midlands Box Cup victory back in June (Image: Submitted)

She also trains at Bradford Police Amateur Boxing Club (Bradford Police ABC), and after claiming gold in the Midlands Box Cup in June, Saleena has had more success in the sport recently.

The youngster has booked a spot in the national finals, which are due to take place in November, while she’s also been chosen to represent Yorkshire in a showdown with Tyne Tees and Wear England Boxing in the upcoming weeks.

Her dad, Imran, commented: “Just like Esa, Saleena is making strong progress and as a dad I’m very proud of her and what she’s achieving.

“By the end of November, she could be crowned the 42kg English champion, whilst having represented her own county, so it would be a great finish to the year for her.”

In 2019 Saleena’s sister, Alvina, became the first Bradfordian girl to ever compete for her nation, as she struck bronze at the Great Britain Three Nations Tournament.

She also became the first Pakistani Muslim to box for England in this country.

Father Imran said: “We are a proud boxing family, that’s for sure and Saleena is determined to follow in her sister’s footsteps. She’s got the talent, commitment and endeavour to achieve exactly that.

“She speaks about wanting to be a professional boxer in the future, but it’s important that we don’t rush everything too soon. You have to be strong in the amateur game to set the foundations to move into the professional game; that’s how it works and that’s what we intend to do with Saleena.”