"Thank you to everyone who has supported my journey"
It was a historic moment for Charan Kaur Dhesi as she turned professional, becoming the first British Sikh female boxer to do so.
Charan was inspired to take up boxing after watching fellow Hull native Luke Campbell win the gold medal at the 2012 Olympics.
In 2019, she said: “I saw boxing on TV and that’s when I thought I’d like to do it.
“My dream one day is to win a gold medal at the Olympics and be like Luke and Nicola Adams.”
During her early days in boxing, her coach Sean Ross saw a lot of promise:
“Charan is definitely a boxer who could go further and has really thrived since she started, with an ability to learn very quickly.
“She is very dedicated to her sport, with superb discipline – she is very professional and like a true athlete.”
In the amateur ranks, Charan Kaur Dhesi was a three-time national champion and European silver medallist.
She is also a three-time international champion.
Charan has now announced she has turned professional.
In an Instagram post, she wrote: “I am very pleased to announce I have officially turned professional.
“I can now proudly say I am the FIRST SIKH FEMALE PROFESSIONAL BOXER coming out of the UK.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported my journey as an amateur and I can’t wait to transition into the pro scene and make my mark – Let’s make history!
“Pro debut pending…”
Her announcement sparked a wave of support among British Asians, with one writing:
“Paving the way for Sikh girls!”
Another wrote: “Congratulations Charan!! So proud of you, it’s been a long time coming.”
A third said:
“Sis about to smash it in the pro game. So proud of you my girl.”
Charan’s impact on boxing has also led to her being recognised at the Asian Women of Achievement Awards.
She won in the Sport category at the 2024 event and she shared:
“Thank you to everyone involved, so grateful and looking forward to what’s next.”
Boxing has seen a number of British Asian stars.
Amir Khan was among the first boxers to make it onto the global stage and have success.
The likes of Hamzah Sheeraz and Adam Azim are currently making waves and Charan Kaur Dhesi is one to watch for the future.
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