Utkhob Ahmed from Rajshahi became the first Bangladeshi to win the World Boxing Council Asian Silver Super Flyweight title at just 19 years old. Despite his young age, Ahmed has already demonstrated the poise and discipline of a seasoned athlete that has led him to this feat.
In an exclusive interview with Star Lifestyle, the young boxer talks about his journey, the challenges he has faced and his aspirations for the future.
Congratulations! How does it feel to win the World Boxing Council (WBC) belt?
It still doesn't feel real, it hasn't fully sunk in yet, but I'm really happy to have won the belt and I feel like I've made my country proud.
Growing up and training in Rajshahi, away from the main boxing hubs, must have brought unique challenges and opportunities, what advice would you give to young athletes training in similar circumstances?
There are clubs in Rajshahi and that's where my boxing journey began. The reality is that outside the few places in Rajshahi and Dhaka that have the facilities, there are very few opportunities. For those on the fringes, the road is tough.
You need a lot of support from your family to get access to better training facilities in bigger cities. My advice would be to look for local opportunities, be determined and, if possible, go to a place where you can get better training. Passion and persistence will open doors.
What strategies helped you win the game?
I had never participated in an 8-round match. It was a first for me. A month before the match, I trained in Dhaka under Steve, a veteran coach from London. His expertise and continuous guidance from my senior was essential. We focused on strengthening my stamina, strategy and technique to ensure I could handle the rigorous demands of such a long match.
You're only 19 and you still have a long way to go. What are your goals for the future?
Winning the WBC Asia Silver Super Flyweight title is just the beginning. My next goal is a gold medal. After that, I want to aim for a world ranking and ultimately compete at the World Championships. With each step, I want to reach higher and push the boundaries of what I can achieve in the world of boxing.
What would you like to say to future aspirants who want to pursue boxing as a career?
My advice to aspiring boxers is to embrace tenacity as your fundamental virtue. You rarely succeed on the first try. Start as an amateur to understand the fundamentals of the sport and gradually progress to the professional level.
We recommend starting with 3 round matches. Remember that matches are learning opportunities. Use them to hone your skills and build resilience. The road to becoming a professional boxer is tough, but rewarding for those who persevere.
Photo credit:
