AHMED VS THE WORLD Keir Hardie fighter ready for top level championship
Aqeel Ahmed is ready to take on the world.
The Motherwell boxer has qualified for the World Championships in Germany next month after his performance at the European Boxing Championships.
The Keir Hardie ABC fighter was in Ukraine and reached the quarter finals – earning him a place at the World Championship.
Ahmed was faced with a tough draw and was knocked out by Team GB fighter and former Olympian Galal Yafai.
However, Ahmed admits he won’t let the defeat drag him down and is still targeting the top of the podium in Hamburg.
He said: “I’m chuffed to be going to the World Championships because that was always the main aim before I left.
“It’s bittersweet though because every tournament I go to I want to come away with gold and the European Championships was no different.
“But I knew how tough it would be because it’s a competition which has top boxers from every country.
“I was up against Team GB’s top fighter and I knew a bit about him because I’d sparred with him before.
“He was a tough opponent but I know I can learn a lot from it, go away and work on my boxing and be ready for the World’s.
“Once again I’m expecting a tough competition but I want gold – it’s just who I am.
“I’m well aware of how tough it will be but I just need to focus on my draw one fight at a time.”
Ahmed will be joined by Sean Lazzerini and Lee McGregor as the Scots contingent making up the 12-strong British team in Hamburg.
The 23-year-old has enjoyed a string of international successes including gold at the Tammer Tournament and the Golden Glove tournament in Serbia.
Now the Motherwell scrapper is keen to add to his long list of medals as he returns to the World Championships for the first time in four years.
He said:“They’ve made it a tougher tournament because you have to earn your spot now as before you could just enter through your nation.
“Last time I was there in 2013 in Kazakhstan I wasn’t expected to win anything and it was all about gaining experience.
“This year it’s different because I know I’m at the level of these other fighters now and I know I’m capable of picking up a gold medal.
“I’m in a better mindset and feel a lot fitter as well. I’m taking a week off after Ukraine but then I’ll be right back into training again.
“I always aim for the top prize and I’m looking forward to the World Championships.”