Story: Salim Al-Hussein
Zeeshan Maughal and Aseel Lahsoon were crowned champions in the Senior Novice Championship, hosted by the Amateur Boxing Association. The championship took place in Cranwell in Lincolnshire on 7th December 2013 and 50 senior amateur boxers competed with each other.
I met up with the boxers to talk about their boxing career so far. Both boxers train in the same gym at Sheffield Lane Top with trainer, Keith Palmer.
Zeeshan, a 17-year-old from Burngreave, took on opponent 22-year-old Marvin Lombi from Dagenham in the Championship. Zeeshan won the featherweight bout over 3 rounds by a majority decision. His total now stands at 13 wins and 1 loss.
When I asked Zeeshan what he thought about his opponent, he was clear that he was a good fighter. He said,
“He came out to win and I came out to win as well.” He went on, “It’s not just about the fight but having that respect for your opponent too.”
Zeeshan explained that they trained 6 times a week for 2.5 hours per day in the run-up to a competition but he pointed out,
“you can be physically strong but, if you’re not mentally strong, then there’s no point.”
Aseel, who is also 17 years old, beat his opponent, Talvinder Singh, by stoppage. Aseel was quick to beat his opponent, just 40 seconds, which didn’t only win him the match but a good reputation too. That brings him to 12 wins and 3 lost matches. Aseel explained this wasn’t the first time he fought Talvinder. He said
“We fought before and I beat him then, so realistically I knew I had him.”
I asked Aseel if he researches his opponents before going in the ring with them. He said,
“I would rather not know about my opponent and then I’ve got a fresh mind.”
I asked them both who they take their motivation from and they immediately said Mohammed Ali was a big inspiration for them. Aseel explained,
“Ali was not only involved with boxing but religion and human rights too.”
We then caught up with their trainer, Keith Palmer, and he had this to say:
“They were out of this world. They both boxed well. It was a national championship so there was a lot of pressure. Zeeshan won against an older fighter from a good gym and Aseel was far too much for his opponent. They are both very committed and dedicated and I’m expecting good things from them in the future. They are a joy to have in the gym."