British-Pakistani boxer crowned England & Wales boxing champion

LONDON: British boxer of Pakistani descent Hasnain Ali has been crowned the England and Wales champion after beating Team England's athlete Hanzla Hamza in the finals of the England and Wales Championships.

Ali, who is 17, was bullish from the start and won every round against his opponent, impressing both the judges and the England selectors.

“I managed to beat Hanzla Hamza easily. He was representing Great Britain. He’s the best boy in the country at this time. He put up a good fight but I beat him easily. It’s a great achievement for me to beat the Great Britain representative and I feel proud of myself. I am where I want to be and its looking positive," Hasnain told Geo News.

The event was held at the Cresta Court Hotel in Altrincham, Greater Manchester and attended by a large crowd.

Ali who is currently studying for his A-levels has also won the under-19 tournament after boxing four times in four weeks against older and heavier opponents in his new super-heavyweight class.

“Balancing boxing and college work is quite hard but I try my best to manage because it is my dream to succeed both academically and in sports. I want to become a role model for others through hard work and success,” Ali said. 

He pointed out the lack of opportunities for ethnic minority youth, especially for Pakistanis and others minorities who live in deprived areas.

He said, “Being a Pakistani boxer in Britain is very hard. You don’t have as many opportunities. My message to all young boys and girls is to keep pushing hard and you will become whatever you want to become. Persistence and perseverance pay off."