Kash Farooq reveals 'shock' at advice to retire from boxing

Kash Farooq has explained his shock and disappointment at being forced to retire at the age of 26 on medical advice.

Farooq announced his retirement earlier this week, saying “unforeseen circumstances” had led to him quitting professional boxing.

The Pakistan-born former British champion had been scheduled to fight fellow Scot Lee McGregor in a rematch this year after McGregor had given Farooq his only defeat in 17 fights when they fought in 2019.

He bonuced back from that defeat with three wins before his shock retirement.

Explaining the decision on social media, Farooq said that unsatisfactory annual medicals had led to doctors telling him to retire from the sport.

He said: “Boxing has been my life since I was 14 years old. I have studied, dedicated, sacrificed myself to improve my quality of life and that of my family’s enduring many hardships along the way, from boxing on small hall shows behind closed doors and not being able to sell a ticket to my name, to competing at the pinnacle of boxing, fighting on Sky/DAZN with the biggest promoter in the world.

“My immediate leave comes due to my yearly medicals not being satisfactory for the British Board of Control with stricter regulations in place.

“I had a meeting with a doctor who advised me to take an exit from boxing with my full health intact, regardless if I wanted to carry on fighting and proving myself to be the best in the division.

“It would be selfish of me to put myself in danger, therefore my trainer Craig and manager Iain Wilson have instructred me to heed the advice from medical professionals.

“This is still a shock to me as it would be for many others. I am a young athlete who had plenty to offer with unspeakable potential and talent.”

Farooq thanked those who had helped him with his career and said that he looked forward to adjusting to life outside the ring. He will now take up a role as head of talent with St Andrew’s Sporting Club.