Comfortable win lands Bilal crown

ROCHDALE boxer Bilal Rehman picked up the biggest win of his career after he defeated Lee Appleyard to become the Central Area super lightweight champion on Saturday.

Rehman won the fight on points, with referee Steve Gray scoring it 96-94 in his favour, even though it seemed Rehman had won a lot more comfortably than the scorecard suggests.

The 26-year-old was dominant throughout, and came out on top at the Doncaster Dome after travelling to Appleyard’s neck of the woods for the fight.

It means the Rochdale boxer has won his first professional title after earning the victory, while the fight also served as an eliminator for the Commonwealth belt.

The victory sees Rehman extend his unbeaten record to 12-0, and he was delighted to come out on top.

“I got the win comfortably as an away fighter. Credit is due to Asam Fiaz and Ryan for taing me on full time since the split of my previous trainer and gyms,” he said.

“It was an incredible job from Asam coaching me and dedicating the time to me. A masterclass game plan was planned and executed. They aren’t just coaches or corner men, for me they are like brothers.

“I kept everything behind closed doors for this fight as I had a lot going on, but as they say, the less you see me the more I’m doing.

“In my eyes I was the home fighter because any ring is home for me.”

It’s been a busy few weeks for Rehman, as along with his success in the ring, he has also launched his BTK Academy in Rochdale, which offers a wide range of facilities to people.

He said: “After a successful win over the weekend I will be taking a break for a limited time only and giving the opportunity to hold private 1-2-1 sessions at the BTK Boxing Academy for those wanting to improve their lifestyle via fitness or simply want to improve their boxing abilities.”

More information on the facilities available at the BTK Boxing Academy can be found by contacting Rehman on social media.