YAQOOB Hussain has been appointed president of the North West Region ABA.

He earned the prestigious role after serving on the executive for more than 30 years.

Now Yaqoob, head coach and founder of Blackburn with Darwen Police ABA, is hoping to further raise the profile in the region.

He will be responsible for coaches and boxers at 84 clubs from Carlisle, down to Manchester and across to the Isle of Man.

“I am very honoured to have been given this role,” said Yaqoob who will be president for the next three years. “In my time, I would like to perhaps push for the chance for boxers to fight as a team representing the region. That does not really happen at the moment.”

The 67-year-old will continue to work hard at Blackburn with Darwen Police ABA as well as fulfilling his role as an England Major Panel judge and referee.

Meanwhile, Ibrahim Shah – a boxer once coached by Yaqoob – was left to rue his luck after he was drawn against world number one Alexandr Pidmurnak from the Ukraine in the recent European Championships.

Shah, who now fights out of Gloves ABA in Bolton, gave a good account of himself, losing just 7-5 to a fighter who had fought more than 100 times.