GBM get set to host first world-title fight

Boxing promotion company GBM get set to host their first world-title fight on Friday 23rd May.

Terri Harper will make the first defence of her WBO lightweight title at the ECO-Power Stadium on Friday, the first world-title fight in which GBM will host.

GBM founder Izzy Asif didn’t exactly personify experience during his professional boxing career, stepping in the ring four times with a record of 3-1.

He does, however, possess the confidence of a boxing promoter who knows his way around the sport, as evident by GBM’s progression in recent years.

Outlining his intentions to become a boxing powerhouse in 2022, just shy of three years later he and GBM will welcome Terri Harper and Natalie Zimmermann to clash for the WBO lightweight title, amongst a number of other fights.

Asif’s confidence was evident when speaking to the BBC.

He said: "I can talk the talk with whoever I need to talk to. I can make business deals and then roll with the street guys.

"Boxing promotion is a cult - it is so hard to break through.

I'm a risk-taker who has a knack for building businesses from scratch.

"I've invested in a care home and property businesses which have earned me a very comfortable living.

"I've worked non-stop day and night. You can find me putting out chairs at the start of shows and doing whatever it takes to succeed."

Asif believes that his previous background in boxing can lend a helping hand throughout his promotional career.

“How many other British promoters can say they got punched in the face for a living?"

While GBM have already reached a respectable level, set to host a world-title fight, Asif continues to have greater ambitions.

With reports suggesting that GBM were in talks to promote a rematch between Billy Joe Saunders and long-term rival Chris Eubank Jr, Asif said: “It’s very realistic.”

He added: “In the meantime, I'll keep pushing, building the fighters, our reputation, our brand and giving the fighters the good deals."

Ellis Statham

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