Khan sold over 300 tickets for his debut
Story of the fight…Jackson covers up as Khan lets the punches go.
OVER 300 fans bought tickets to watch top amateur Sahil Khan make his professional debut.
And at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on Saturday, the bantamweight banger ensured his legion of fans went home happy.
The Dudley 20-year-old gained a landslide, four round points decision over Sean Jackson, referee Chris Dean scoring 40-36.
In truth, the chances of Manchester’s Jackson getting lucky on the night were as remote as scooping a lottery jackpot.
He has yet to win in 16 bouts and fought like a man whose goal was to survive the course. Those type of operators are hard to prise open.
Sahil is noted for his firepower and pledged an explosive performance. The drama was doused by a man in survival mode, but Sahil dominated.
This week he told me there was a reason he struggled to pull the trigger.
“There were nerves, but there were also injuries,” he told me. “There was a problem with the knuckles on my left hand.
“I was pleased with my performance. He was what I expected – an experienced, cagey fighter who went to the ropes. I’m looking to be out again before Christmas.”
To his many fans, Sahil posted on social media: “You only get one pro debut and Alhamdulilah I was blessed with the opportunity to perform and be victorious on the biggest stage close to home in front of all my supporters and new audiences.
“This was just a glimpse of what’s to come, I will only improve following on from this, but I enjoyed every minute of it. I would like to thank everyone who brought a ticket, my trainers and my manager for preparing for this, Mr Eddie Hearn for giving me the opportunity and, of course, my Dad for everything he’s done. First one out the way, stay tuned for the next one.”
So what is the pro game getting?
The 20-year-old, a product of Wolverhampton’s Merridale amateur club, simply swept aside all before him as an amateur.
The bald stats are near astonishing. Of 70 contests, Sahil lost only seven. He knocked out 28 – 18 of those victims in the first round.
Sahil carries Naseem Hamed power – and he wasn’t just blowing away novices on club shows.
He is a six times national champ, eight times Midlands champ, six times international champ, Haringey gold medallist, tri nations title holder…
It’s no wonder, Sahil, managed by former pro Nathaniel Howell, started his life on a big stage, under the wing of big promoters.
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