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'Boxing's like a cult' - meet the new promoter hitting the big stage

Izzy Asif posing for cameras with Terri Harper's world titlesGBM Sports

GBM promoter Izzy Asif is a former cruiserweight who won three pro bouts and lost one

Kal Sajad
BBC Sport journalist

Terri Harper v Natalie Zimmermann - WBO lightweight title

Venue: Eco-Power Stadium, Doncaster Date: Friday, 23 May

Coverage: Follow live text commentary from 20:00 BST on BBC Sport website & app

Izzy Asif exudes the same levels of confidence as any established boxing promoter.

"I can talk the talk with whoever I need to talk to," he boasts. "I can make business deals and then roll with the street guys."

But it's never easy being the new kid on the block.

The Sheffield-born GBM boss outlined his plans to become a boxing powerhouse when he promoted his first show in March 2022. His ambition was met with raised eyebrows.

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

"I said I was in this business to be the best - everyone just looked at me as if to say 'who the hell is this British-Pakistani guy">