Nelson’s Atif Mushtaq believes he’s entered the professional realms of boxing at the perfect time and is confident of further enhancing the region’s growing reputation in the sport.
On the back of Shayne Singleton’s English title heroics and Luke Blackledge’s courageous showing against Erik Skoglund in Denmark, the region has once again developed a burning passion for the sport.
The 22-year-old will make his pro bow at Colne Muni on Friday, May 17th - with an opponent yet to be named - and he’ll have local favourite Stuart McFadyen in his corner for the contest.
“It’s definitely the right time to be getting in the game with what’s been achieved in the region and I don’t think I’m too far off that standard,” he said. “I think after getting a few good fights under my belt I’ll be ready to fight for a championship title. If I put my mind to it I’ll be able to achieve it no problem.”
Atif teamed up with McFadyen 12 months ago after being nurtured through the amateur ranks by Burnley boxing coach Brian Roche, boasting a record of 24 wins from 38 outings. But he was desperate to make the step up in class and has been training rigorously with McFadyen at Colne’s Intershape Gym to ready himself for his debut.
The light-welterweight prospect said: “I love boxing and from the first time Stuart saw me spar he thought I had championship quality. I’ve never looked back. It all started with Brian but I just fancied a change and turn pro.
“I can’t knock Brian because he’s a top class amateur coach. He’s taught me a lot and passed on his knowledge of the amateur game, now Stuart’s passing on his knowledge and experience of the pro game. He’s helped me with my diet, nutrition and training and I’m feeling in great shape.”
He added: “I’m really looking forward to making my debut and it’s at Colne Muni so it’s a local debut as well. I’ll have a lot of support behind me so it should be a good occasion. Tickets have been flying out so I should have a good backing. I’ve seen the atmosphere before, I’ve experienced pro fights there so it’s going to be good. I’m the first pro Pakistani boxer to come out of Nelson and I want to do the town and my support proud.
“You get out what you put in and I’ve learnt that in the last 12 months with Stuart. I’ve worked really hard, got my head down and hopefully that will pay off in the ring. I’ve got a natural boxing ability, I can adapt to different fighting styles, I’ve got good head movement, good footwork and balance, and punching power. I’ve got speed and technique so everything is coming along and I’ve got a lot to offer the pro ranks.”
Anybody wanting to purchase tickets for the event can contact Atif on 07581 045249.