Raza’s set to dazzle as a star in Pakistan

Poster for Raza Hamza’s big fight in Lahore. Big things beckon

THE good fortune that has befallen Raza Hamza is, at times, hard to grasp. It’s the enormity of it.

Perhaps it’s a dream. Maybe I’m the victim of some elaborate hoax.

In a nutshell, Birmingham’s Raza – a boxer who appeared to have burned his bridges at British title level – is being groomed for super-stardom in Pakistan, land of his parents.

The 31-year-old is seen as a poster boy for the sport in that country by Falcon Sporting Promotions and GloveBoxx who have snapped-up his services. Unless he blows it, belts and big money await the fighter.

The relationship begins on November 27 when Raza bids to capture the WBA Asia South lightweight title in Lahore. Victory would give him a world ranking, a world ranking would open the door to big fights – fights he may never have dream of.

And he should do it. Ghanaian Richmon Ashelley can bang a bit, with 11 of his 12 wins coming inside distance, but has faced modest opposition. He’s lost six and is on a two fight losing streak.

Frankly, it’s there for the taking.

To an extent, the appeal of Raza is understandably. He’s a good-looking man who can certainly talk the talk, he has a large, infectious personality.

He is also blessed with skill and power, but there are many fight critics who feel Raza has failed to fulfil the talent he possesses.

In a stop-start career that began 10 years ago, Hamza notched-up 18 straight wins. His first real test came against former British title challenger James Beech in 2022 and, despite starting a very warm favourite, he slipped to points defeat.

Nevertheless, Hamza secured a British featherweight title opportunity and was blown away in one round by champion Nathaniel Collins. There has been only one fight since that 2023 disaster.

Hopefully, Raza has found himself as a fighter in Pakistan. Hopefully, he’s discovered the missing pieces of the jigsaw because the man is very likeable.

He certainly seems to be enjoying the red-carpet treatment.

Raza said: “Pakistan is a very welcoming country and Pakistanis are very nice people. I think Pakistan has been craving for a sport like boxing to come there. These guys (Falcon Sporting Promotions and GloveBoxx) wouldn’t be going back if they weren’t good people. Credit to these guys for offering fighters good opportunities and don’t be surprised if you see some of the big promoters going there in the near future.

“Maybe one of their guys will end up fighting one of us. Boxing in Pakistan is definitely heading in the right direction.”

He added: “I’m fighting a guy with a winning record who’s game, who’s tall and has a few knockouts.

“It’s one fight at a time. We will win this fight and see what 2026 brings. I was talking to my manager Chris Glover and they have big plans next year. All I have to do is go out and perform and we will see what is next.”

Hamza’s bout is part of a four fight carnival to mark the WBA Peace Convention in Lahore, which runs from November 26 to 29.

It includes Pakistani hero Muhammad Waseem defending his WBA Gold title against Jakrawut Majungoen, broadcast live on Triller TV.