Penarth boxer and Commonwealth Games contestant Haaris Khan

Haaris Khan shared his firsthand boxing career experience in an interview, with Penarth Times.

Khan's journey as a boxer began at the young age of eight driven by his passion for the sport.

Initially trained in Penarth, Khan later joined Grange ABC where he trained as an amateur. He is currently under the wing and coaching of the former Boxing Legend and IBF Featherweight Champion from Barry, Lee Selby.

“Grange ABC had always taken me to spar with pro boxers from when I was young, so it wasn't completely alien to me," said Haaris. 

"For the last few years, I have been living in the national sports centre through the week, boxing for Wales, training three times a day.

“I have been accustomed to training like a professional, making the transition easier. From a technical boxing aspect, the amateur and pro games are completely different. I've been working hard in the gym with Lee to make the correct adjustments.

"Amateur boxing is key for working on the foundation, practicing, gaining experience, and learning about yourself during these competitive times.”

Haaris has achieved significant successes in his boxing career, including winning the Haringey Box Cup in London's Alexandra Palace in 2019, returning with a silver from the Three Nations, and representing Wales as a Commonwealth entry, in 2022.

The boxer states:  “Winning major national tournaments was key in building experience, but most importantly, building confidence and self-belief in my ability.“

For Khan, despite not resulting in a victory at the Commonwealth Games, the experience served as a testament to his abilities, preparing him for future successes.

Haaris followed through, obtaining a series of Welsh senior championship wins, and international boxing experience, in countries like Spain, Serbia and Finland in the Tammer Tournament.

Khan with his Manager/Promoter Chris Sanigar (L) and his Coach, Lee Selby (2nd R) (Image: Lee Selby)

Khan with his previous Coaches Guz Mohammed Khan (2nd L), David White (3rd R) and Community of Boxers [Left to Right: Hasan Shafqat, Abdi Abdirizaq, Rhys Wolford, Santino] at Grange ABC, following a successful Professional Debut victory (Image: David White)

David White, Khan’s previous coach of Grange ABC, told Penarth Times: “Haaris Khan came to us at the age of 13 and very early on we knew he was going to be a special kid in the sport of boxing. It was an honour training Haaris. I'm sure our Hurricane has a bright and promising future in front of him, in the pro ranks.”

In his professional debut, Khan defeated Aberdare’s 31-year-old Steve Davies. He attained a consecutive third win in his recent match, at the Vale Sports Arena in Cardiff, on the 1st of June 2024. A well-deserved victory from Khan, against the Latvian contender, Edgars Sniedze, with a score of 40-36 over four rounds. 

Khans successes in boxing have been a result of his dedication and preparations. According to him, it requires being fit enough to maintain pace throughout the rounds, always working on different techniques in the boxing gym, and using the correct strategy for each opponent, in the ring.

He also reflects on the dedicated training provided by his coach, Lee Selby.

“Lee was a very stylish and tactical boxer in his day. He worked very hard and dedicated his life to boxing. He shows the same commitment when coaching me.” 

Aside from coaching, Haaris has acquired sponsorships, including from the leading financial provider Monetae Fx, Team Mercedes Cardiff, Boss Security, and others, promising a future and prospect of valuable support in his professional boxing career. 

Ikram Shaz, from Team Mercedes, who started his career with a Mercedes Benz dealership at 16 and opened his own specialist garage during the pandemic, collaborated with the boxer to help boost and support him in his professional career. Ikram shared his insight.

“Like Haaris, I had a dream, and with hard work and dedication I now run a successful renowned business in South Wales.

“It feels right to give back to those who’ve supported me through my journey. I wanted to help someone local from my community and provide them with the help and support they need, to enable them to achieve their dreams also.”

During Khan's early involvement training with Grange ABC, he mentored and coached many of the young aspiring boxers, while he was developing his skills. Despite his setback at the Commonwealth Games, he stayed back for two more weeks to motivate his peers. 

Team Mercedes in Cardiff is supporting Penarth boxer Haaris Khan (Image: Team Mercedes)

Khan’s professional work ethic and efforts to give back to the community are inspiring for aspiring boxers and the ethnic community of Wales. 

He mentioned, “My ethnicity has never been anything but a positive throughout my boxing career, as I have received great support from the community.”

Haaris expressed his sincere gratitude to all his sponsors and their belief in him, including Team Mercedes, Monetae FX, Boss Security, and Aermach, among others, as well as to his dedicated supporters and coaches for their unwavering support.

Following in the footsteps of renowned Welsh boxers, his current coach, Barry’s Lee Selby, among other boxers, Clydach Vale’s Liam Williams, and Swansea’s Jay Harris, who have paved their journeys to world title contention, Khan pledges to inspire down the same path. 

For boxing enthusiasts and the local Welsh community, his professional journey remains one to watch.