Akhbar in hunt for national title (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Harris Akhbar in hunt for national schools title

5:10pm Thursday 23rd February 2012 in General By Simon Parker, Bradford City Reporter

Bradford Police amateur Harris Akhbar hopes to land a national title second time around at the ABAE Schools Championships on Saturday.

The 13-year-old, boxing in the 50-52kg category, is through to the finals at Mansfield Civic Centre after coming through qualifying rounds in Liverpool and Manchester.

Akhbar lost at the same stage last year at 57kg in Manchester but coach Julien Cyprien believes a change of weight division can make the difference.

He said: “Harris lacked a little bit of experience last time but the weight was also a bit too heavy for him. We moved him down one and he has looked much better for it.

“He spars a lot with Muhammad Ali and his brother from Keighley and that has helped him. He is very confident now.”

Bradford Police are staging their public show, featuring a dozen bouts, at the Cedar Court Hotel next Friday.

Doors open from 7pm and tickets, costing £10, are available from Cyprien on 07977-914652/01274-959961 or Body Active on 01274-733270.