KEIGHLEY boxer Ibrahim Nadim will be facing the biggest bout of his career to date next month.

Speaking to the Keighley News a few weeks ago, the 25-year-old said he was hopeful of competing for the Central Area or English super-featherweight title early next year, as long as he could beat Erick Omar Lopez in Bolton.

He won that bout against the Mexican comfortably on points on September 29 and admitted he would then be keeping an eye on events in Manchester on November 16.

That night, the Bowlers Exhibition Centre was due to be playing host to the Central Area title bout between Adam Rasool and Faraqat Ali, as well as the English title clash pitting Josh Holmes against Lewis Wood.

Nadim (12-1-0) was hoping to take on the winner of either of those bouts next, but Ali has now picked up an injury, meaning the Keighley man will be facing Rasool instead for the right to be crowned Central Area champion in four weeks’ time.

Looking ahead to his first-ever title bout, Nadim told the Keighley News: “It’s the opportunity I’ve been waiting for for a while

“Once it popped up, I was buzzing to take it.

“One of the fighters (Ali) got injured and I hope he has a fast recovery, but I’m excited to get this opportunity.”

Since returning to boxing this summer after 16 months out of the ring, Steeton-born Nadim has coasted to three easy points victories, but Rasool presents by far his toughest test on the comeback trail.

Nadim said: “It’s the challenge that I want, a good, competitive fight.

“I’ve sparred Adam a few times in the past, so we know what we’re both about, and I can’t wait for next month.”

Nadim’s first professional bout was in December 2019, so this moment has been nearly five years in the making for him, and he said: “I 100 per cent feel like this is the right time to be taking this title fight.

“If not now, then when? I feel like I’m more than ready to take on Adam.

“I feel like I’m fit anyway because I’ve just come off the fight in Bolton.

“I only had a week off after that and I’ve been straight back to it since.”

Ibrahim has 12 professional victories to his name, but if he picks up his 13th next month, that would be easily the biggest of his career so far.Ibrahim Nadim has 12 professional victories to his name, but if he picks up his 13th next month, that would be easily the biggest of his career so far. (Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire.)

Analysing his 60-55 points win over six rounds against Lopez last month, Nadim reflected: “He started off faster than I thought and the first round was quite close.

“But after that, I picked him off easily enough and caught him with a few counter punches.”

That bout was a fairly low-key affair, but if Nadim can beat Rasool, his 15th professional bout may well be for the English title.

Asked if that was his aim if he can get the Central Area belt in the bag, Nadim said: “That’s what I’d like to do.

“If I can get the Central Area title, I’d want to move straight on to the English.

“After coming back in June, this was the aim, to get to where I’m at now.

 “You’ve always got to consider the possibility of picking up injuries, but it’s been smooth sailing so far, better than I expected really.”