Shazad wants to win a title belt for Burton

Shazad in the dressing room before Saturday’s contest

SHAZAD Amran – Burton’s first Pakistan professional – is a man with very lofty ambitions.

The 25-year-old feather believes he’ll be British champ, which is an extremely bold prediction for a fighter whose had only two paid fights – both over the novice four round distance, both won on points.

After nine months away from competitive action, Amran stepped through the ropes again on Anthony Manning’s Nxt Gen show staged last Saturday at Eastside Rooms, Birmingham.

He gained whitewash, 40-36, victory over Islington’s Jules Phillips, a 29-year-old who recently returned to the sport after a four year break.

Shazad, trained in Birmingham by Shaun Cogan, dominated against an opponent who has now lost 26 of 28. Phillips last had his hand raised in victory in February, 2018.

It’ll take more than a distance win over Phillips to convince me the brewery town has a Lonsdale belt holder on its hands.

Fireworks explode as Shazad begins his ring walk

But Burton does appear to have a ticket-seller. Despite taking the assignment at fairly late notice and fighting a long way from home on the day of a public transport strike, Shazad still shifted around 100 tickets.

That’s good going.

“The counter-punches were my best weapon in the fight,” Amran told me. “To be honest, I thought he’d be a bit more aggressive. I thought I had him a few times, but we weren’t looking for the stoppage, we were looking for rounds.

“The power’s there when it’s needed. I don’t compare my style to any other fighter because it’s a unique style.”

Amran hopes to fight again before Christmas. He’s evidently committed to his craft, making the daily commute by train to Cogan’s city centre gym.

He added: “I’m the first Pakistan professional from Burton and I believe I can go all the way, God willing. British title, 100 per cent.

“I want to win a title for Burton, I want to win something for my community.”