Azaan Hussain: Meet the 14-year-old Leeds boxing star with his eyes set on the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles

Azaan Hussain, 14, from Roundhay, has gone from strength to strength since he first got into the sport four years ago.

He won gold at the Three Nations 2024 Finals at the weekend against the best from England, Wales and Scotland and last month became national champion for the third year running - becoming the first ever to do so in his weight category.

He’s also picked up three Yorkshire titles and remains undefeated in 26 competitive matches in the UK, with his only defeat so far coming when he fought in the Junior European Boxing Championships last year.

Azaan is now looking to make amends for that defeat though after being selected again to represent England at this year’s European championships in Bosnia.

He said: “It’s been hard training six days a week and finding time for school but I’ve got an incredible support network around me.

“I feel like this is all leading to the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028 and then after that I will look at turning professional.”

Azaan’s dad, Nazeem, had no hesitation in singing his praises, saying: “The whole of the UK boxing community is saying he’s a rare talent. Not just me.”

After getting into boxing aged eight, Azaan started receiving coaching at The Purge Boxing Academy in Batley three years ago and Nazeem said that his coaches couldn’t believe his talent. He said: “The coaches said they’ve never seen a kid like him before. They say he’s a very, very special talent.”

Azaan said that the coaches have been relentless in pushing him to achieve his goals and get better. He said: “They’ve always believed in me and have put so much time and effort into getting me to where I am.

“Without them I would not be here today. So I want to say thank you to Mo, Harry and Khany.”

Nazeem has also been at Azaan’s side every step of the way since, dedicating endless hours to driving around the country and staying with his son in hotels.

Nazeem said: “It’s very expensive but as a father he’s showing me the talent he’s got and I’m going to make sure he goes all the way.

Sign up for our free newsletters today

“He’s the next big star in Leeds.”

Azaan said he’s continuing to stick to a strict routine of eating healthy and training to give himself the best chance of achieving his dreams, adding: “I just have to keep doing what I’m doing and working extra hard. Nothing can stop me.”

Azaan and Nazeem also expressed their thanks to Leeds business The Mould Team, whose sponsorship has helped fund their travelling and gear. To keep up to date Azaan’s journey you can follow him on Instagram.