BLACKBURN boxer Qasim Niaz is relishing the opportunity to fight in his home town for a second time after an encouraging first year as a professional.

The welterweight has won all six fights since turning pro, including a points victory over Duane Green at King George’s Hall in Blackburn in September – the first professional boxing card in the town for decades.

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The venue is hosting another show on November 22 and Niaz is due to fight an as yet unconfirmed opponent on the bill.

Fellow East Lancashire fighters Luke Blackledge, Adam Machaj and Shakeeb Ali are also due to fight on the night.

“The first fight in Blackburn was an amazing turn-out, so a second one now is going to be amazing too,” said Niaz.

“I can’t even explain how good it was because boxing in front of your home town is something you dream of, so for it to happen so early in my career was an opportunity that I couldn’t miss.

“It was really good. I think I had 250 or 300 people there, I sold a lot of tickets.

“Loads of people came out, especially for Blackburn. I think they needed that kind of platform for kids out there, an event to come down to and when they see the boxing I’m sure it will inspire a lot of kids to join boxing clubs and want to be there.”

Niaz was at the Asian Media Awards last week, posing for pictures with the likes of Ross Kemp and 2013 Apprentice candidate Zee Shah.

He was due to fight on October 12, the first anniversary of his professional debut, but pulled out due to a shoulder injury.

“It would have been a year as a pro for me so I was disappointed about that, but I’m sure there are better things to come,” said the 22-year-old.

“My shoulder is a lot better now. It was been medication mostly and a few stretches to do, I’ve been doing them and it’s a lot better.

“It’s been a good journey so far, Kevin (Maree) and my promoter Steve (Wood) have helped me a lot and kept me busy.

“I’ve had six fights so far and when I get to 10 I’ll start looking at bigger fights, 50/50 fights.”