Arjon Basi Talks Boxing, Sikh Faith And East London

East London super-lightweight talent Arjon ‘The Bullet’ Basi is rapidly making a name for himself in British boxing.

He turned professional after a standout amateur career that saw him win London titles, compete at county level, and reach a national final.

In his professional career so far, he boasts a perfect record of 2 wins and 0 losses, with each fight reinforcing his growing reputation.

The 25-year-old is learning from world-class fighters every day while preparing for his next challenge.

Arjon Basi will be taking on Jake Price in a four-round bout on April 5, 2026, at the London Olympia on the undercard of Most Valuable Promotions’ (MVP) first UK event.

The event, headlined by Caroline Dubois vs Terri Harper and Ellie Scotney vs Mayelli Flores, will be an opportunity for Basi to showcase his talent to a massive audience.

In an interview with DESIblitz, Arjon Basi opens up about his journey from East London gyms to the professional ring, as well as the influence of his family and Sikh heritage.

Boxing as Discipline, Not Anger

For Arjon Basi, boxing began as a way to channel aggression that could otherwise spiral out of control.

The sport demanded more than raw strength; it required focus, patience, and mental resilience, turning what was once a source of anger into a tool for growth.

Basi explains: “Boxing helped me manage my anger because, realistically, when you’ve got anger issues, it’s usually because you think you’re invincible.

“Boxing teaches you very quickly that you’re not, in the best way possible.”

Rather than simply venting frustration, each session forced him to assess his limitations. Sparring, drills, and conditioning all presented constant tests that shaped his approach to both competition and life outside the gym.

He admits: “It taught me to stay in control of my emotions, to deal with loss and failure, and also to handle success.”

The lessons were repeated daily, reinforcing the value of composure.

Basi says keeping a clear head was essential in boxing, where one moment of impatience can cost a fight:

“Every training session is humbling, and as a kid with a lot of aggression, I learned fast that anger gets you nowhere. Keeping a clear mind is everything.”

This mindset, developed early, continues to underpin his approach as a professional fighter, allowing him to turn discipline into performance.

A Family Built on Boxing Knowledge

Arjon Basi’s boxing journey was closely tied to his family.

Growing up in a household where relatives competed at various levels, he had access to a depth of experience most young fighters never encounter.

“My uncle taught us all a lot, and coming from a family where almost everyone competed in the sport, I learned from all of their different experiences.”

That environment provided both technical guidance and a blueprint for navigating the challenges of competitive boxing.

From a young age, Basi received encouragement that reinforced his potential, as he elaborates:

“Since I was young, they always told me I had something special, so my cousins, uncles, and especially my brother and father almost made it their mission to teach me everything they could.”

This mentorship extended beyond technique. Observing relatives’ successes and setbacks offered insight into how to handle pressure, defeat, and expectations – lessons that are often absent in standard training programmes.

Basi credited his family with his early growth: “I genuinely wouldn’t be where I am today without my family.”

Their belief and experience helped him develop confidence, laying the foundation for his professional career.

Early Professional Pressure

As ‘The Bullet’ progressed, training alongside world-class fighters became central to his development.

These environments demanded adaptation and provided real-time lessons in technique, strategy, and mental fortitude.

He says: “Training with world-class fighters teaches me so much. It shows me that their level isn’t out of reach – it’s actually closer than I thought.”

Observing elite athletes daily offered insight into preparation routines, subtle in-ring tactics, and the focus required to perform consistently at the highest level.

Basi says: “I’ve still got a way to go, but being around that kind of experience and quality helps you pick up little tricks, build mental strength, and gain real confidence in yourself.”

“And realistically, if you’re in a room with people like that, it’s usually because you’re either one of them or on your way to becoming one,” he adds, highlighting how elite gyms can shape both skill and mindset.

Arjon Basi made his professional debut against Angelo Dragone and it tested these lessons under extreme pressure:

“Fighting Angelo Dragone on my debut was a big ask, but it showed how much belief people had in me.”

Basi secured a decision victory. The fight exposed him to the lights, the crowd, and the intensity of a professional stage, preparing him for challenges ahead.

Basi continues: “It prepared me massively for the future because it made me realise I was built for those moments.

“The crowd, the lights, the pressure, it all felt like it was meant for me. That night gave me a glimpse of what’s ahead and sparked a different kind of fire in my belly.”

Beyond performance, Arjon Basi learned to navigate the expectations placed on him:

“Balancing expectations. When you come from a community that hasn’t traditionally produced many pro fighters, there’s pressure to represent them perfectly.

“Learning to fight for myself, not for approval, was a big turning point.”

East London Roots and Sikh Identity

Arjon Basi’s upbringing in East London exposed him to both risks and motivation. The area’s mix of challenges and ambition shaped his resilience and outlook.

He says: “Growing up in East London, you see a lot. It’s easy to get mixed up with the wrong crowds and end up going down the wrong path.”

Yet being surrounded by people striving to better themselves created positive examples that inspired him to work harder.

“But I was always surrounded by people who worked hard and tried to make something of themselves. When you’re around people like that, it pushes you to chase the best version of yourself too.”

His Sikh heritage provided another stabilising influence, as he says:

“What really kept me on the right side of life, though, is being Sikh. Our core values revolve around being a good person and doing the right thing.

“My Sikh heritage grounds me. Concepts like seva (service) and chardi kala (eternal optimism) keep me humble, focused, and grateful, even during the toughest camps.”

For Basi, identity and upbringing are intertwined to guide decisions in and out of the ring.

South Asian Representation and the Future of Boxing

Arjon Basi sees growing opportunities for South Asian boxers in the UK, though challenges remain.

He says: “It’s definitely improving. We’re still in the early stages, but I know that in the years to come there’ll be a lot more of us.”

Boxing has historically not been a strongly encouraged path within many South Asian families, but visible success stories are shifting perceptions.

“Boxing hasn’t always been something that’s strongly encouraged in our culture, but when people see some of us pushing through and making it happen, it gives them hope and confidence that it is possible for our community to break through.”

On the barriers affecting aspiring South Asian boxers, Basi details:

“A lack of representation, cultural pressure to prioritise traditional careers, and sometimes stereotypes about physicality or toughness.

“But things are changing. More families understand the opportunities in sport and support their kids’ ambitions.”

He also reflected on Sikh heritage as a source of strength:

“Take us Sikhs, for example. Many people know us as warriors because that’s part of our history, fighters for justice, and that spirit is innate in us.

“Yet there are still stereotypes suggesting we’re not physically capable, or that we don’t belong in the sport.”

“Those ideas get proved wrong every time more of us break through.”

For young fighters, visible role models remain essential. Basi drew on his own boxing inspirations:

“As a young fighter, I always watched boxing and picked up inspiration from so many different styles.

“Mike Tyson, with his sheer ferocity; Anthony Joshua, bringing in massive crowds with his presence outside the ring; Floyd Mayweather, with his impeccable defence; and Tommy Hearns, showing that even a slim fighter can hit with insane power.

“Watching all of them shaped the way I approached the sport and motivated me to find my own style.”

Looking ahead, he believes inclusivity in the sport will expand opportunities.

Basi adds: “Gyms need to actively welcome kids from all backgrounds, not just the ones who look like traditional fighters.

“Representation in coaching, promotion, and media also matters.

“The more diverse the sport becomes at every level, the more comfortable young fighters will feel walking into a boxing gym for the first time.”

Arjon Basi’s journey from a teenager with anger issues to a rising super-lightweight professional reflects both personal determination and the support of a close-knit boxing community.

Balancing heritage, values, and high-level training, he is carving a path that challenges stereotypes and inspires young South Asian fighters.

With every sparring session, fight, and training camp, Basi continues to build his reputation while representing East London and his Sikh roots with pride.

As he gets ready for his fight against Jake Price, Basi’s story illustrates how talent, discipline, and opportunity combine to create a promising future in the sport.

Tickets for Arjon Basi’s fight against Jake Price can be purchased on 07713895742.