A boxer has spent lockdown training harder than ever for the new year.

Osman Aslam from Bolton has not had a fight since last year but has utilised all his time training and focussing on his mental state to grow stronger.

With 14 fights and 14 wins, Aslam is hoping his story will inspire other young people in the North West to reach their dreams.

He said: “I have spent the lockdown learning about myself, because when you’re always training you might lose yourself and forget who you are.

“So, I have got to know myself again as a person.

“People have suffered during the lockdown, but I think I have benefitted from all the free time, despite the bad things happening.”

Asian Image:

Aslam, who is 26-year-old, was scheduled to fight at Bolton Stadium in March, but it was cancelled like many other sporting events at the time.

He said: “I was feeling down at first but after that I thought that everything happens for a reason and that fight was simply not meant to be.

“You feel lonely and left out, so for me I trained my best and made sure I felt amazing.

“This has been better than the first lockdown, back then at first I was not used to it and now I am in a better place.”

Asian Image:

To make himself train harder, Aslam often gives up his phone, ensuring his dedication to his sessions.

He said: “I see phones and social media as a distraction and aids depression for many people.

“People will post their best pictures of their life and so when you are going through a bad time, you will see their best time and think they are better than you.

“All I’m doing is eating, training, praying and sleeping.”

The boxing star hopes to be back in the ring by the new year aiming for titles and going worldwide.

The one challenging thing for the 26-year-old has been with himself, being dedicated and waking up every cold morning.

Aslam is no stranger to training twice a day and hopes his dedication can serve to inspire other young boys and girls in Bolton.

He said: “A lot of Asian lads get into drugs and I know so many that wasted their life doing this.

“I want to inspire young people but not just with boxing, they can become successful at anything doing things the right way.

“I am a Muslim and so I believe I am never alone and I always have God.

“I have not taken anything negative from it, I just made my time during lockdown more positive and worked much harder than ever before, so I’m ready for the new year.”