Khan plots explosive professional debut

Shabaz Khan…debuts at the Holiday Inn, on February 23

THOSE who witnessed Shabaz Khan’s start in boxing will be shocked by news he’s joining the professional ranks as a welterweight, 10-and-a-half stone.

Khan, from Alum Rock, Birmingham, weighed 13st 5lbs for his first amateur fight, aged 17. Shabaz, now 24, was 15 stone when he first walked into a fight gym.

If nothing else, as a diet plan, pugilism has paid off.

Back then, Khan admits he lacked discipline. He discovered that at Acocks Green ABC thanks to trainer Pete Leachman.

And Pete will be with Khan, who has a day job working with kids suffering behavioural problems, when he makes his paid debut on February 23 at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport.

Transition from the two codes has been a rocky road. Queries over the fighter’s sight and hearing, plus an MRI scan anomaly, has taken a year to be resolved.  

“There were times when I wanted to walk away (from the sport),” Khan said. “Pete’s commitment stopped me doing that. He’s been a father figure to me, he’s gone above and beyond for me. I don’t think I can ever repay him.”

Khan is an unknown commodity. He had a limited, 15 bout amateur career which peaked with an East Midlands BoxCup gold medal.

But he always looked upon himself as a pro boxer. “I was more suited to the pro style,” he said. “I like to box on the back foot and switch stance. Three rounds weren’t enough for me.”

He enters the professional game without expectation or pressure. He aims to be the sport’s surprise package – the champ who came from nowhere. Khan describes his style as unorthodox.

“Fans can expect something explosive, exciting, fireworks. I want to excite my fans,” Khan said. “I have skill, power and speed. This journey can go as far as I want this journey to go – and that’s all the way. On February 23 a star is born, I want to make a statement.”

The game is crammed with boxers who want to make a statement. But Khan’s dogged determination deserves some reward.