(Image: T&A)
A 23-year-old Bradford boxer hoping to put the city on the map has announced plans to turn professional after a 60-fight amateur career that included winning a Yorkshire title.
Huzaifah Ahmed, from Toller Lane in Girlington, has received approval from the British Boxing Board and hopes to make his professional debut before the end of the year or in early 2027.
Having started boxing at 16, Ahmed – who fights at lightweight – has built up extensive experience as an amateur and believes the professional ranks are better suited to his aggressive, front-foot style.
He said: “Longer rounds, more rounds, smaller gloves – I adapt to that style way better.”
Ahmed said a bout against Ireland's top-ranked amateur, who was bound for the Olympics, reinforced his belief that he was ready to make the transition.
“I really had the upper edge on him," he said.
“I thought, you know what, the best thing to do now is to turn professional. I know what level I'm on, it’s time to turn over.”
Amateur boxing 'an apprenticeship'
Reflecting on his amateur career, Ahmed said the experience had exposed him to a wide variety of opponents and styles, giving him a strong grounding for the challenges ahead.
“The amateur boxing, it’s more of an apprenticeship before you go into professional boxing and it's all learning.
Huzaifah Ahmed (Image: T&A)
“I feel like there's a lot more to learn, but in the amateur ranks, I've done all the learning there is and it's time to learn a total new sport, which is professional boxing.”
The lightweight is already adapting his preparation for longer contests, increasing both his mileage and the number of rounds he spars in training.
His professional debut could come before the end of the year after receiving approval from the British Boxing Board of Control and completing most of the required medical checks.
Huzaifah Ahmed and coach Danny Thornton (Image: T&A)
Roberto Duran is his idol
Ahmed trains alongside GB national champions under former professional boxer Danny Thornton, whom he credits for pushing him "in every single way".
Asked which boxer he would most like to emulate, Ahmed pointed to Roberto Durán.
The former four-weight world champion’s aggressive, relentless style made him one of boxing's most celebrated fighters.
Representing Bradford 'means everything'
For Ahmed, representing Bradford remains one of his key motivations.
“It means everything to me because I want to show people it might be a town with a bit of bad reputation, but there's a lot of good that comes out of this town,” he said.
“I want to represent it well and be a role model to everyone.”
Ahmed has already made significant sacrifices in pursuit of his boxing dream, leaving his job as a ground worker to focus fully on the sport.
He is also seeking sponsorship to help support his professional career.
Huzaifah Ahmed in training (Image: T&A)
World title remains the goal
While he has lofty ambitions, the 23-year-old says he wants to climb the ladder the traditional way.
He said: “I'd like to go all the way to the top but I’d like to do it the proper way.
“You win a British title, and then you win a Commonwealth."
“The ultimate goal is to become a WBC world champion.”
Huzaifah Ahmed in training (Image: T&A)
Yet Ahmed's ambitions extend beyond titles and belts.
Describing himself as a "crowd-pleasing" fighter, he hopes to help bring boxing fans and communities together through the sport.
He added: “I’m someone who comes forward and gives everyone the money worth.
“Ultimately what I want is for everyone to come together and enjoy great nights of boxing in Yorkshire.”