Muhammad Haris wins the Schoolboys Northwest Championship

Muhammad Haris

Amateur Boxer, Muhammad Haris, 13, from Rochdale, has won the Schoolboys Northwest Championship.

The competition, which included young boxers from across the North West and Yorkshire, saw Muhammad compete in a number of fights before winning the championship.

Muhammad’s legal guardian, Asjad Mahmood, said: “I am very pleased that he has won the championship. He has worked very hard to get this and all of his hard work has now paid off. It really does show that if you work hard you can achieve good things.”

Muhammad has been boxing for two years and started after Asjad encouraged him to find a sport to get involved with.

“I spoke to him about finding something that he could get involved with and he has found something that has taught him discipline and focus. I wanted him to find something that he could do to deter him from getting into trouble on the streets,” said Asjad.

To prepare for his competitions, Muhammad trains twice a week and goes swimming twice a week. Muhammad currently trains at the Mick Jelley amateur boxing gym in Bury and Asjad is confident that Muhammad will go far. He said: “His trainer trained Amir Khan so you never know what could happen.”

Muhammad currently boxes in the 41.5kg and under weight category so has to stay focused to achieve his weight target. Asjad added: “He has to work very had to stick to his weight because if he goes over that, then he can’t compete and all of his hard work is for nothing. He is a very hard worker.”

It is now hoped that Muhammad will move on to compete in the national  championships. “Now he has won the North West Championships, he is looking to compete in the National Championships but we are not yet sure when they will be taking place,” said Asjad.

As for what the future holds, Asjad hopes to see Muhammad become a European Champion. He said: “I am really proud of everything that he has done and hope to see him go on to become a European Champion one day.”