Undefeated Umar Khan is one to watch

With Declan Taylor

Umar Khan

Age: 22

From: Ilford, Essex

Weight: Featherweight

Stance: Orthodox

Record: 10-0, 1 KO

FIRST TIME YOU THREW A PUNCH?

The first time ever was probably when I was about four – it was only at my little brother though. We are similar age so we were always fighting when we were younger – but he was bigger than me so probably got the better of it.

WHAT’S THE HARDEST YOU’VE BEEN HIT?

When I was about 16, I sparred Ricky Burns. I was only about 54kg and I think he was doing super-lightweight at the time. That’s probably the hardest I’ve been hit. It was a great experience though, I was only young at the time and I feel like those spars helped me a lot.

WHO IS YOUR BOXING HERO?

Has to be Muhammad Ali and not just what he did in the ring but a lot of what he did outside of it as well. Growing up I watched all his movies and read books about him so he’s definitely my boxing hero.

WORST INJURY YOU’VE EVER HAD?

Thankfully I’ve been alright so far. I had a little tear in my shoulder but that’s about it. Luckily no major injuries or sparring nightmares – yet!

NUMBER ONE CHEAT MEAL?

I would have to say burgers. There’s no restaurant or anything in particular but just a burger. After a fight that’s what I’m getting every time.

WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT BOXING?

It’s how you can go into a fight hating someone, training to hurt someone and then after you’re like best friends. That’s my favourite part about the sport.

AND THE WORST THING?

Making weight, the diet, there’s a lot of sacrifice in that but it’s all part of the process. I started boxing when I was 14 so I lost a lot of those years through sacrifice – but obviously it was worth it.

WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING ON NETFLIX?

I don’t know why but recently I’ve been watching a lot of stuff on serial killers, true crime and stuff like that. I watched something on Jeffrey Dahmer, that was mad.

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?

The last time I remember crying was when my dog died – that was on Christmas Day in 2018. It was crazy.

WHAT IS THE GOAL?

The goal is to be world champion and achieve as much as I can from boxing and obviously be financially set when I’m done. Nothing crazy, nice house, nice cars, family set. I’ve always been quite simple with stuff like that.

FAVOURITE QUOTE?

Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.