A Bolton boxer looking forward to his next bout has responded to calls to fight a rising star managed by Amir Khan.
Samir Aftab, from the Haulgh, will fight for the third time in his professional career on March 11 at the Bolton Whites Hotel, although his opponent is yet to be confirmed.
And the 22-year-old bantamweight, who won his two previous outings on points in 2022, recently admitted he would not shy away from a fight against Khan’s protégé Tal Singh, often dubbed the first Sikh boxing star.
Singh is yet to fight in the ring, but fans watching Aftab’s career unfold are calling for a fight between the two.
Aftab said: “If he eventually decides that he wants to take his career seriously and actually fight, I’ll fight him next.
“And there’s nobody else at the moment, I’ve got a good manager so I leave the matchmaking to him, but if I had my choice I’ll fight him next.
“And if him and his manager, Amir Khan, agree, I’ll make sure it happens in the not-so-distant future.”
At 52kg, Aftab has pushed harder than ever before to win his third fight and is confident he can achieve victory once again.
He said: “I’m learning the pro game every day and I love all the support I get from the people of Bolton.
"I’m feeling good about my upcoming fight as this camp had been the hardest one by far because I’ve pushed myself to the limit.
“I felt good in my last fight, but I’ve still got things to improve on.
“My goals this year are to be sitting comfortably with 5-0, God willing, and to be challenging for a title next year.”
Training at Premier Boxing with coach Rasib Mohammed, Aftab was inspired to get into the ring when his cousins dabbled in the sport.
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He won his first and second fight in Bolton in front of a home crowd, something the boxer says he does not get tired of.
He said: “Bolton is my home town.
“I love Bolton because nobody gets the love I get here and the only reason I’ll box outside of Bolton is if it’s beneficial financially or there’s an opportunity to go on a big show in another town.”
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