Yorkshire has a rich history of producing some of the most talented boxers seen in this country. From former Cruiserweight world champion, Johnny Nelson to a generational fighter in Prince Naseem Hamed, the county has always been blessed with gifted operators in abundance.
Josh Warrington, the current IBF Featherweight king is the cult hero in Leeds, whilst Sheffield’s Kell Brook has proved he has a lot left in the tank following his stoppage of Mark De Luca, after 14 months out the ring.
Super-Bantamweight prospect Ibrahim Nadim could well be the next emerging Yorkshire man to take the baton and has everything in front of him to do so.
Hailing from Steeton, but now residing in Keighley, ‘Ibby’ has made a winning start to his professional career with two successive victories on two big bills.
An outstanding amateur and former GB champion, Nadim claimed three national titles, as he learnt his craft in the unpaid ranks, whilst reaching four national finals, before choosing to turn over instead of biding his time for a shot at Olympic glory.
The 21-year-old made his professional debut in December, squeezed in right at the conclusion of Richard Riakporhe’s British Cruiserweight title victory over Jack Massey, however a large part of the Bethnal Green crowd remained put to witness the first bow of what could be another Yorkshire great.
Nadim was handed another huge opportunity earlier this month, as he announced himself to the British fight fans on the undercard of Jono Carroll’s victory over Scott Quigg at the Manchester Arena.
Referred to as the ‘Silent Assassin’ by promoter Eddie Hearn in the pre-fight press conference, Nadim did his talking in the ring with another decision scalp, showing some exciting early promise.
The former Bury ABC man has former two-weight world champion and British boxing icon, Ricky Hatton in his corner and would have learnt a great deal from his second bout against experienced journeyman, Stefan Nicolae, in the same arena his coach stunned Kostya Tszyu to claim the IBF, Ring Magazine and Lineal Light-Welterweight titles on a historic night in 2005.
Nadim struggled to find his rhythm early on, but found his range as the four round contest continued, demonstrating his renowned pedigree and ring IQ to see off the Romanian over the distance.
Nadim got to work behind his jab, which when polished could become a key weapon and began to dominate proceedings, following instructions from Hatton at the end of round one, landing some sweet right hands and powerful hooks to the body in the latter rounds where he was largely dominant.
He slipped out of range and put on an entertaining display for the small contingent inside the venue, in what may prove a crucial learning fight early on in his career.
@ibrahimnadim8 tonight @HattonGym pic.twitter.com/Z6nSZ1ngwh
— Ricky Hatton MBE (@HitmanHatton) February 25, 2020
The young prospect naturally showed some vulnerabilities as expected from such a raw novice, taking some blows early on yet his fan-friendly and accurate style will be a hit, as he looks to build on his early success under Hatton’s tutelage in Manchester.
Nadim, is the cousin of former Olympian and decorated amateur, Muhammad Ali who has turned over with Frank Warren and will campaign at Featherweight.
Muhammad Ali turns pro with Queensberry Promotions.
He’s ready to open a new chapter and “can’t wait to get going!” 🥊
See you soon @malijnr1996 https://t.co/Im2Q4Hxi8l
— Frank Warren (@frankwarren_tv) December 19, 2019
The pair are at almost identical stages of their embryonic careers and will have ambitions of replicating some of the great family double acts of yesteryear and perhaps become household names, in the county which has delivered defining fight nights on so many occasions.
