IT was only his 16th fight and first international match but Commonwealth Games boxing selectors believe Regents Park’s Taha Ahmad has what it takes to be a world champion, and so does he, with his sights now set on gold at the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Ahmad, 21, lost his bout in Birmingham in a unanimous decision but matched it with dual-Olympian Merven Clair from Mauritius until the last 30 seconds and is proud of his efforts.
“This is my first international fight, these guys have had hundreds,” Ahmad said.
“I’ll come back stronger; I’ve learned more than I’ve lost.”
One of eight, the former kickboxer took up boxing in 2014 after being encouraged by his father.
Taha earned a spot on the Commonwealth Games team with three wins at the selection trials in February to claim the 71kg (light-middleweight) division.
He trains at the Akkawy Boxing Club under Mick and Al Akkawy, home to boxers such as George Kambosos Jnr. and Sonny Bill Williams.
Speaking to the Review from Dubai on Wednesday night, where he was taking part in training camps, he said experience played a big part in his Games bout.
“I am proud of myself, I felt like I really belonged there,” he said.
Taha says boxing is challenging but you can achieve great things if you believe in yourself.
“To aspiring champs, I would say just put your head down and work hard,” he said.
Keen on competing in the Boxing World Championships next year, he said he would also be going for gold in Paris.
“The goal is to be the best in the world,” he said.
“You’ll be hearing more of me in the future.”