By: Dan Richardson (http://www.splitdecisionboxingnews.com/)
The Grassroots of Boxing - Amreet Brar - Future Star?
Welcome to a new feature on Split Decision Boxing News - The Grassroots of Boxing. As often as I can, I will be writing articles on the potential future champions, who are currently competing as amateurs. I'll be interviewing amateur boxers from around the world, whether it be those just starting out, those with incredible stories or those who are ready for the professional game. I think it is vitally important that we as boxing fans are aware of the grassroots of our beloved sport, as it is something we are generally oblivious to.
Boxing at all levels is an incredible sport, and I want to give exposure to those who are currently at the bottom of the tree. If you are an amateur fighter yourself, please email me at splitdecisionboxingnews@live.co.uk or contact me on Twitter - @danny_boy_93. Please don't hesitate to contact me, I think the amateur game is a vital part of our sport, as it not only lays the foundations for future world champions, but also turns lives around.
And that brings me nicely onto the first subject of these articles, 20 year old Amreet Brar of Canada. As an amateur boxer, Amreet has a record of 1-1, but has been boxing for the past 5 years, training under the watchful eye of Ajaz Khan of the 'King of the Ring' boxing club, in Brampton Ontario. Fighting out of a club which has produced many Canadian national champions, Amreet is fully confident that he can make his way to the top of the amateur game, and ultimately represent Canada in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Having the aspiration to represent your country at the Olympics is a target many amateur fighters hope to reach. You can journey into gyms across the world, and the ultimate goal for the fighters in the gym is to stand on the podium, with a gold medal hanging from their neck. But that's not what makes Amreet's story interesting. And the Vancouver born fighter has a great story to tell.
Many fighters start out in the gym to vent frustration, get fit, stem anger and some just for the fun of it. But Amreet started out for very different reasons. Overweight as a teenager, and weighing 300lbs at one stage, Amreet was victimised by bullies because of his weight. Amreet lived in fear, he was told not to go to school because he would "regret it". This led to Amreet struggling to find the motivation to get out of bed on a morning, as his life suffered because of the constant threats he received. Determined to defy the bullies, Amreet stepped into a boxing gym for the very first time.
It was there that he met the first of two men who act as inspirations to him. Amreet describes his first coach, Jerry Veerasammy, as the inspiration behind his desire to become a world champion. "He has always made sure that I stick to boxing, he's my inspiration and a real father figure to me" Amreet tells. "I don't know where I'd be without him". The second, his current coach Ajaz Khan, treats Amreet like a son. "I call him Papa" Amreet says. "He always takes care of me and treats me like one of his own, like Jerry, I owe him so much".
Amreet is proud of his background too, especially that of his Indian parents. "I represent myself , my parents background, and all of my supporters whenever I train and fight" he says. And Amreet's religion is a major part of his life too. A dedicated Sikh, Amreet tells me of the hardest obstacle he's ever had to overcome, the death of his beloved Aunt, and how religion, and boxing, helped him through.
"The death of my Aunt due to cancer was a very big hill to overcome. She was always there whenever I needed someone and was there to motivate me through everything I wanted to do. When she passed away I didn't know what to do or what to be, but pursuing boxing even more helped me keep focused and determined for life. Ever since she passed away before all fights and training sessions I go to my corner, pray and say thank you to her for everything she's done for me."
It is clear to see that Amreet is humble and thankful for his background and the people around him. But it is boxing that has acted as the biggest motivation to change his life around, and now fighting at 165lbs, Amreet's life is now on the up. He will participate in the USA Ringside Championships this summer, a prestigious amateur tournament, and in August, he is due to fly over to Britain to train with Nottingham's Adnan Amar, who also acts as an inspiration to Amreet. "Adnan Amar is amazing and I owe him a lot for giving me the opportunity to train with him. He truly is a blessing for all boxers. His style, perseverance and determination is something I wish to have when I become world champion."
And it is that final line that shows you where Amreet sees himself in the future. He truly believes he can become a world champion, and after the motivation he has shown already in his life, I wouldn't bet against Amreet becoming a future star. He clearly has the belief to become a successful fighter. He owes a lot to boxing, and I think that's clear to see from his dedication to the sport. He describes himself as an "old school" fighter, and takes inspiration from Australian featherweight Billy Dibb, who Amreet describes as a huge influence on his career. But his idols also include Britain's very own Amir Khan, who Amreet wishes to emulate in his career, starting from the 2016 Olympic Games.
"I want to go to Rio for the Olympics, win gold and then turn pro. My goals are to go abroad and fight internationally like Amir. I want to be world champion, and the way I train and my dedication, I can do it as long as I'm focused". And I wouldn't bet against it. I've been in contact with Amreet for a couple of weeks now, and I hope to meet up with him when he comes to the UK. His desire is clear, and he has a genuine hunger for a sport that has done so much for him. Despite all the adversity he has had to face in his life, he shows tremendous promise and I think his desire alone will go a long way to making sure he is successful. And it is that attitude and his story, which makes Amreet Brar an inspiration himself.
Boxing at all levels is an incredible sport, and I want to give exposure to those who are currently at the bottom of the tree. If you are an amateur fighter yourself, please email me at splitdecisionboxingnews@live.co.uk or contact me on Twitter - @danny_boy_93. Please don't hesitate to contact me, I think the amateur game is a vital part of our sport, as it not only lays the foundations for future world champions, but also turns lives around.
And that brings me nicely onto the first subject of these articles, 20 year old Amreet Brar of Canada. As an amateur boxer, Amreet has a record of 1-1, but has been boxing for the past 5 years, training under the watchful eye of Ajaz Khan of the 'King of the Ring' boxing club, in Brampton Ontario. Fighting out of a club which has produced many Canadian national champions, Amreet is fully confident that he can make his way to the top of the amateur game, and ultimately represent Canada in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Having the aspiration to represent your country at the Olympics is a target many amateur fighters hope to reach. You can journey into gyms across the world, and the ultimate goal for the fighters in the gym is to stand on the podium, with a gold medal hanging from their neck. But that's not what makes Amreet's story interesting. And the Vancouver born fighter has a great story to tell.
Many fighters start out in the gym to vent frustration, get fit, stem anger and some just for the fun of it. But Amreet started out for very different reasons. Overweight as a teenager, and weighing 300lbs at one stage, Amreet was victimised by bullies because of his weight. Amreet lived in fear, he was told not to go to school because he would "regret it". This led to Amreet struggling to find the motivation to get out of bed on a morning, as his life suffered because of the constant threats he received. Determined to defy the bullies, Amreet stepped into a boxing gym for the very first time.
It was there that he met the first of two men who act as inspirations to him. Amreet describes his first coach, Jerry Veerasammy, as the inspiration behind his desire to become a world champion. "He has always made sure that I stick to boxing, he's my inspiration and a real father figure to me" Amreet tells. "I don't know where I'd be without him". The second, his current coach Ajaz Khan, treats Amreet like a son. "I call him Papa" Amreet says. "He always takes care of me and treats me like one of his own, like Jerry, I owe him so much".
Amreet is proud of his background too, especially that of his Indian parents. "I represent myself , my parents background, and all of my supporters whenever I train and fight" he says. And Amreet's religion is a major part of his life too. A dedicated Sikh, Amreet tells me of the hardest obstacle he's ever had to overcome, the death of his beloved Aunt, and how religion, and boxing, helped him through.
"The death of my Aunt due to cancer was a very big hill to overcome. She was always there whenever I needed someone and was there to motivate me through everything I wanted to do. When she passed away I didn't know what to do or what to be, but pursuing boxing even more helped me keep focused and determined for life. Ever since she passed away before all fights and training sessions I go to my corner, pray and say thank you to her for everything she's done for me."
It is clear to see that Amreet is humble and thankful for his background and the people around him. But it is boxing that has acted as the biggest motivation to change his life around, and now fighting at 165lbs, Amreet's life is now on the up. He will participate in the USA Ringside Championships this summer, a prestigious amateur tournament, and in August, he is due to fly over to Britain to train with Nottingham's Adnan Amar, who also acts as an inspiration to Amreet. "Adnan Amar is amazing and I owe him a lot for giving me the opportunity to train with him. He truly is a blessing for all boxers. His style, perseverance and determination is something I wish to have when I become world champion."
And it is that final line that shows you where Amreet sees himself in the future. He truly believes he can become a world champion, and after the motivation he has shown already in his life, I wouldn't bet against Amreet becoming a future star. He clearly has the belief to become a successful fighter. He owes a lot to boxing, and I think that's clear to see from his dedication to the sport. He describes himself as an "old school" fighter, and takes inspiration from Australian featherweight Billy Dibb, who Amreet describes as a huge influence on his career. But his idols also include Britain's very own Amir Khan, who Amreet wishes to emulate in his career, starting from the 2016 Olympic Games.
"I want to go to Rio for the Olympics, win gold and then turn pro. My goals are to go abroad and fight internationally like Amir. I want to be world champion, and the way I train and my dedication, I can do it as long as I'm focused". And I wouldn't bet against it. I've been in contact with Amreet for a couple of weeks now, and I hope to meet up with him when he comes to the UK. His desire is clear, and he has a genuine hunger for a sport that has done so much for him. Despite all the adversity he has had to face in his life, he shows tremendous promise and I think his desire alone will go a long way to making sure he is successful. And it is that attitude and his story, which makes Amreet Brar an inspiration himself.
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