"I’m extremely excited to see him join the professional ranks."
Amir Khan is launching the boxing career of his cousin Abdul, whom he tips to reach the top of the sport.
The 19-year-old will make his professional debut on the undercard of Amir’s ‘Crypto Fight Night’ on October 16, 2021.
Abdul, who is also from Bolton, will kick off his career against Humphrey Harrison, the brother of the late and much respected Oliver Harrison, Amir’s first proper trainer.
Amir believes that his protege is ready to shine after the Covid-19 halted amateur boxing for such a long time.
The former world champion said:
“Abdul is a very special talent and I’m extremely excited to see him join the professional ranks.
“I have followed his career since his first amateur fight around seven years ago and his potential excites me.
“With so much uncertainty around amateur boxing during lockdown, I recommended Abdul turn pro.
“When I’m watching him fight, it’s like looking at myself at that age, and we will have a special journey.”
Throughout his career, Amir Khan has experienced ups and downs but Abdul told The Sun:
“He never told me to avoid boxing, but also never urged me to get into it.
“I just loved it growing up, with Amir and David Haye especially.
“When the idea to turn professional started getting serious he gave me loads of advice and guidance.
“I’d watch Amir and he was so exciting – win or lose, he was never in a boring fight.”
“My favourite fight of his is Marcos Maidana, where he showed such heart and proved he could fight a fighter and beat him at his own game.”
Amir flew Abdul out to Dubai for a few training sessions.
Amir is currently in Colorado as talks continue over a potential boxing match against British rival Kell Brook in what may be Amir’s last fight.
But Abdul is confident that his cousin’s last bout will be a successful one.
Abdul has revealed that he wants to be on the same card against a rival prospect from Kell Brook’s Ingle Gym to make it a family affair.
He added: “I am really confident for Amir in the Brook fight.
“I am a good runner and he has been outdoing me, even though he is older and heavier.
“I think Amir’s speed will always be there but it even surprised me how rapid he still is.
“People will think I am biased, but I really think he can stop Brook.
“I never got to go to any of Amir’s fights because I was too young, so it would be a great story if I end up on the undercard of the first one that I can attend.”
Abdul will make his professional debut at ‘Crypto Fight Night‘.
The event, which takes place at La Perle, Dubai, will bring the city’s growing crypto and boxing communities together for showdowns to showcase Dubai as the future hub of blockchain.
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