A Blackburn boxer is turning professional and hoping to carry on the family's sporting traditions.

Umar Niaz, 21, is the brother of talented Qasim Niaz who won all his eleven professional fights until injury stopped him from going on further.

Umar took up boxing at the age of 15 and watching Qasim take part in some major fights had a huge influence him.

“I wasn’t that interested at first and then following Qasim motivated me," Umar said.

“My parents thought one boxer is enough at the time but then when I had my first fight I decided to carry on.”

Welterweight Umar has had 35 amateur fights, travelling to Poland and across the UK to tournaments in Cumbria, Birmingham and Leeds.

He said: “I have boxed in many venues and it has been a great learning curve for me.

“I would say my most memorable one was my second fight; I boxed in front in of Amir Khan and his dad, Shah in Bury. I won the fight even though it wasn’t my best performance.

“It was great to speak to his dad who gave me some encouragement at the end.”

The Youth Sports worker is hoping to compete in his first professional fight at the end of the year.

He added: “I decided this year to turn professional after I have my last amateur fight in December.

“It is time to showcase my talent and become the next British boxing champion out of Blackburn.

“I’m more motivated than ever before and I’m ready to chase my dreams and carry on the TeamNiaz name all the way to the top.

“My aim is to inspire young people to get into a sport. Not just boxing, but all sports so it helps to keep them occupied.”