Kash Farooq admits he is still getting used to idea he’ll never box again.
It’s been just four months since the talented bantamweight was forced to hang up his gloves after his yearly medical with the British Board of Control flagged up a serious health concern.
The devastating news came at the worst possible time. Having just turned 26, the Renfrewshire Boxing Club puncher was entering his prime and shining on the biggest stages, having earned a huge promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom.
Lucrative fights in Las Vegas and a likely sell-out at the Hydro for a hotly-anticipated rematch with rival Lee McGregor were set to change the dedicated boxer’s life this year.
Don't miss the latest headlines from around Renfrewshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
As it played out, the scrapper with a hugely impressive 16-1-0 record has had to spend months coming to terms with the fact his career was cut cruelly short.
But this bantamweight has never been one to let a setback keep him down. Instead, he’s focused fully on the next chapter of his boxing career as head of talent at St Andrew’s Sporting Club.
As well as supporting their promising professionals, he’s also still spending time helping coach young amateurs at Renfrewshire Boxing Club.
In honour of his achievements, St Andrew’s are hosting a testimonial night at the end of the month to celebrate Farooq’s incredible career.
Speaking exclusively to Express Sport, Farooq explained he’s still proud of everything he achieved in the ring as he looks to inspire the next generation of boxers.
“I’m still trying to get used to it,” the affable former boxer said.
“It’s still tough. I really miss boxing myself because it was such a huge part of my life.
“I was supposed to be fighting in Vegas and fighting McGregor again at the Hydro this year. They would have been life-changing fights.
“But, now the dust has settled, I’m still in love with boxing and now this is just another chapter in my boxing career,
“I’m really looking forward to the tribute night because I want it to be positive.
“A lot of boys don’t get to the level I managed, winning belts and fighting on huge shows.
“I had three fights with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom and I got a hell of a lot out of boxing.
“I wanted more, but in the circumstances it turned out I couldn’t.
“Now it’s all about helping the next generation of boxers come through. To me, that’s the next best thing to fighting myself.”
It won’t just be talk at Farooq’s testimonial show at the Radisson Blu in Glasgow, with several fights also lined up.
One of which will feature Lekan ‘Chucks’ Obiora, the welterweight who is Farooq’s first professional boxing talent to support alongside Craig Dickson and Iain Wilson.
Farooq said: “It’s going to be so nice to spend the night with everyone who helped me throughout my career.”
Tickets for Kash Farooq’s testimonial show on Thursday, April 28 at the Radisson Blu, in Glasgow, are available from St Andrew’s Sporting Club.
Download the FREE Renfrewshire Live app now for all the latest news, features and sport in your area. Available on both Android and Apple. Download here: smarturl.it/RenfrewLiveSocial
