Story:Carrie Hedderwick
Photo:Freddie Everett
Zeeshan started boxing at sixteen. At seventeen he fought six rounds to win the Senior Novice National Championships as a featherweight. He is now nineteen with twenty-one fights under his belt. Zeeshan got into boxing because as a chubby school kid he needed to get fit and lose some weight. Three times a week he both runs and does sessions at the Sheffield Lane Top gym run by Keith Palmer, a stalwart trainer and manager. It is so important that there are gyms available for local kids so that they have somewhere, safe, friendly and disciplined to go close by . It is also essential that Keith and others like him, are not having to pay high rents for premises, as any charge can prove a barrier for the kids. The number of fights dictates which competitions a boxer can participate in. Zeeshan had twenty fights so was entered for the Senior Development National Championships where there is no age limit; and you can face someone much older and more experienced.
In September Zeeshan won the Yorkshire finals and went on to win the national quarter-finals, but was injured in the semi-finals; a blow from his opponent’s head caused a gash above his left eye and the fight was stopped.
Zeeshan, a very confident second year student at Sheffield Hallam University, recommends boxing to other boys, including his eight and four year old brothers, because it provides a real focus.
Zeeshan appreciates the dedication of his trainer and recognises the spirit of cooperation and hard work fostered at the gym, which helped his personal achievements.
