There are times in boxing when a fighter gains in defeat. We catch up with Kash Farooq.

Kash lost a contentious points decision against Lee McGregor in a pulsating 12 rounder last year, losing both his British bantamweight title and unbeaten record in the process.

However, you would be hard pressed to find anyone in the boxing fraternity, who agreed with judges’ verdict. The subsequent outcry from those in attendance, as well as those watching from home and on social media, has elevated Farooq’s status to a much higher level, which may not have been the case had the decision gone in his favour. Furthermore his measured response to the controversial scoring, when it would have been easier to lash out, won him many new admirers.

His performance nevertheless caught the eye of arguably the most influential man in world boxing - Eddie Hearn - who signed the Pakistan born Glasgow based boxer to a multi-fight deal with his Matchroom organisation.

Farooq’s first outing under his new promoters was due to be in Newcastle on April 4. However, the entire show has been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Speaking exclusively to Asian Image Farooq admits to being “frustrated” but says he will have to be patient.

He said: “It goes without saying I’m disappointed, but what can you do? You have to look at the bigger picture. I’m hoping the fight will be rescheduled soon. “When I first started [boxing] I never imagined that one day I would be on a platform with Matchroom. I came to Scotland with my family from Lahore not knowing the language or having any friends or family. The racism back then was really bad. It was a big culture shock. I could have easily gone around lashing out.

“But boxing gave me an opportunity to meet new people and make friends. I’m indebted to my first two amateur trainers, as they taught me how to react to everything that was going on. I also owe a lot to my management team. When I turned professional, they stuck with me even though I was struggling to sell a single ticket. They believed in me and that meant I could concentrate on training.”

Farooq won the British title by stopping Jamie Wilson in the first round, in what was his 10th professional contest. He then went on to make three successful defences before facing McGregor.

He adds: For the McGregor fight I sold close to 300 tickets. If I continue to perform then my support base will grow. I want people of all backgrounds to get behind me as I feel that signing with Eddie and Matchroom will take my career to a higher level.”

At the time of the signing Eddie Hearn said: “He is a special talent that really impressed me last time out and I believe he has so much potential in the sport. He will be back in a title fight in the Spring and I look forward to many exciting fights with him in Scotland and around the world.”