London calling: Bradford’s Tasif Khan on the comeback trail
Tasif Khan.
EXCLUSIVE: The iconic York Hall in Bethnall Green, London, plays host to the comeback of one of Bradford’s hottest boxing prospects Tasif Khan on 30 January.
Khan, who has been missing from the ring for the past two years due to a series of injuries, will take on the experienced Hungarian Richard Voros.
Having just finished yet another gruelling session in the gym, Khan spoke of his imminent return to the ring.
Determined, he said: “Two years is a long time to be out of the ring. I’m aching to knock off the ring rust and get into the thick of the action.
“It’s been a long and hard journey, I’m not going to lie, and at times I have felt so frustrated seeing the boxing world move on while I have had to stand by and watch, so I’m eager to make up for lost time.”
Khan is no stranger to big time boxing.
He fought on the Amir Khan – Phil McCloskey undercard in 2011 at the MEN, but injury to his left hand saw his shot at a title fight fade away.
He said: “There are times when thing’s don’t go your way in life. But the setbacks have made me focussed and will allow me to come back both physically and mentally stronger.
“I’ve been working closely with Junior Witter (former WBC light welterweight title holder) and Nadeem Siddique (fellow Bradford-based boxer) who have greatly improved my diet. I’m in the best condition of my life and raring to go.”
“I aim to put on a performance”
Khan, normally a Bantamweight, is having to put on the pounds to step up to his opponents Featherweight category.
He said: “The fight is not going to be easy. Voros is an extremely experienced fighter, who is currently ranked 4th in Hungary. I know very little about him which makes things harder, but I aim to put on a performance that my family and fans will be proud of.
“I am honestly humbled to have such a dedicated following. They’ve trekked everywhere to watch me, from the MEN, through to the smaller venues. The fact that some are even travelling down to London on Friday mean’s so much. They are always loud and vocal and give me that extra edge in the ring as I never want to let them down.
“There are those who can’t make it to London this time round, and their well wishes mean so much. They’ve stood by me throughout my time away from the ring, and I’m hoping in the near future I can repay their faith with a title fight in the near future.”
Former light welterweight champ backs Tas
Khan became fully professional in 2012, walking away from primary school teaching for a crack at a professional career.
He said: “Without help from my sponsors Kingsland Business Recovery, Vyomax Nutrition and Kesser Jewellers I wouldn’t be able to compete at this level. They’ve backed me to the hilt, even through my absence from the ring.”
Both Nadeem Siddique and Bradford’s former light welterweight champion Junior Witter will be part of Team Tas Khan on Friday night.
Junior, who is confident of a win, said: “Tas has impressed me in the gym. He’s eager to make up for lost time. Watch out for him as I’m certain 2015 will be his year.”
