BBC's Bunce On South Asian Boxing Heritage

BBC Radio 5 Live broadcast a special episode of its boxing programme honouring South Asian Heritage Month, examining how fighters from the community have shaped British boxing over the past two decades.

Host Steve Bunce was joined by former IBO world champion Jawaid Khaliq and BBC journalist Kal Sajad for the 55-minute episode, which aired July 30. The panel discussed trailblazers like Amir Khan, who faced barriers as one of the first South Asian boxers to reach elite level in Britain, and how representation in the sport has grown since.

Sheeraz and Azim Reflect on Heritage

Current stars Hamzah Sheeraz and Adam Azim appeared on the programme to discuss their own journeys and the weight of serving as role models. Both fighters spoke about their heritage and what they owe the generation that came before them.

The discussion touched on challenges South Asian boxers encountered inside and outside the ring, and how those experiences laid groundwork for today's crop of talent. Khaliq, who held the IBO middleweight title in the 2000s, offered perspective on the sport's evolution from his era to the present.

The episode is available on BBC Sounds for over a year. Sheeraz next fights in September, while Azim is expected to return to the ring later this autumn.

Source: bbc.co.uk