A Glasgow businessman who has been a lifelong boxing fan is set to take part in his first ever competitive fight at the ripe old age of 60.
(Image: UGC)
A 60-year-old businessman will fulfil a lifelong ambition by climbing into the boxing ring for his first ever official fight.
Waheed Sadiq has no boxing experience but describes making his debut at the ‘White Collar Boxing’ event in the Normandy Hotel in Renfrew, near Glasgow, as a “a bucket list thing”.
He said:”I’ve always wanted to get in the ring but I never had the opportunity till now.”
The event on Sunday has echoes of the 1999 Fight Club movie where an office worker forms an underground “fight club” with a soap salesman played by Brad Pitt.
Though everything on Sunday at the Normandy will be perfectly legal and above board.
(Image: Contracted Freelance)
Waheed, owns a company in Glasgow. making headstones.
He added:”I was born and raised in Glasgow so I’m pretty well known and I’m hoping to get a big support on the night.”
Waheed started training for his big fight night about six weeks ago.
He added:”It’s challenging but I like a challenge. I want to prove to myself that I can do it.
“It will be a dream come true when I finally step into the ring.”
Weighing in at 90kg puts him in the middleweight division and he’ll be up against another newcomer from the same weight division.
Waheed’s fight will be one of 15 on the night arranged by the two brothers who run RT Elite Promotions, Shehbaz and Raz Parnez.
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Waheed has been working out virtually every day in a private gym run by them in the southside of Glasgow.
White Collar Boxing is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. It gives people who have never boxed before the chance to test themselves in the ring in front of a large crowd.
Shehbaz, who is the promoter of the Normandy Hotel event, said: “We’re going to have between 10-15 bouts on the night, all involving non-professionals fighting for fun.”
Also making his debut on the night is a former prisoner, who was released from Barlinnie jail in Glasgow with an electronic tag.
Leonard Nedd has been granted temporary freedom from the monitoring device for his big fight debut.
Leonard, who endured a tough upbringing in Glasgow’s east end, has been involved in several street fights throughout his life.
But now, thanks to a forward-thinking judge, the 34-year-old heavyweight will enter the ring for his first legal fight in the Normandy.
The tag he wears on his left ankle restricts his liberty and forces him to remain at home between the hours of 8pm and 8am.
However, last month at Glasgow Sheriff Court, Sheriff Jones agreed to relax the restrictions for a period of 24 hours.
It means Leonard can finally make his boxing dream come true.
The Sheriff accepted a plea from RT Elite on Leonard’s behalf, who are also training him for his big night.
(Image: UGC)
They wrote: “RT Elite Promotions is committed to providing structured, disciplined and positive opportunities for individuals seeking to improve their lives through sport.
“We strongly believe that Leonard’s involvement in this programme will play a significant role in supporting his personal development and rehabilitation.
“Participation in our 6-week training camp and the event itself will offer him discipline & routine; consistency and focus; improved physical & mental wellbeing; structured exercise; character building; a positive environment and community engagement.
“We believe that offering individuals the chance to work towards a meaningful goal, in a supportive and disciplined sporting environment, can be an important step toward turning their lives around and building a better future.”
Tickets are available from RT Elite Promotions and Eventbright