BRADFORD rookie pro Zeeshan Khan hopes sharing the ring with Josh Warrington can inspire his own boxing career.

Khan has been sparring twice a week with the Leeds show-stopper, who is preparing for his world-title tilt against Lee Selby at Elland Road next month.

Former Karmand Centre amateur Khan is also building up to his own home appearance when he fights on a dinner show at the Bradford Hotel on May 11.

He has already chalked up two wins since turning pro alongside former club team-mate Jermaine Springer and is wasting no time in looking to make an impression on the paid-for scene.

As well as Warrington, Khan has also worked in the gym with Luke Campbell and Tommy Coyle. He believes that rubbing shoulders in elite company will only improve his own chances.

Khan said: “I’ve known Josh a long time and he’s got a lot more experience. But at the same time, I’m giving him a lot of trouble – that’s why they’ve chosen me for his main sparring.

“I’m learning loads off him and he’s bringing me on a lot already. The pro and amateur games are totally different – it’s a different sport.

“I think I’m more suited to this sport. Amateur is more tap, tap, tap whereas here you are throwing big shots but it’s a lot more calculated and you’re using your brain much more.”

Khan won a four-rounder against Luke Fash in Hull last week and is already moving on for his next challenge in Bradford.

The 26-year-old was invited to appear on the Warrington undercard but will be fasting for the start of Ramadan. But the chance to box on his own doorstep more than makes up for that.

“I was a lot more relaxed and looser than in my debut fight,” he added. “I had better movement and was throwing shots with a lot more confidence.

“I’m not in it for the money or anything else. I just love fighting and I want to keep busy.

“If you have three-month lay-offs between fights, you just get distracted by other stuff. I want to fulfil my potential.

“I’ve never boxed at home before in all my amateur life. It’s going to be a real eye-opener and I can’t wait.

“I do get too excited in the days before a fight so I’ll have to try to keep my mind pre-occupied!”

Khan will focus on fighting at featherweight and already has ambitions to be chasing a first title this time next year.

“I don’t want to be holding back. I’m sparring eight rounds with Josh now so I want to build it up.

“I’ve never been lacking in confidence, if anything my head gets too big! But I’m going to see how far I can go.”

Cruiserweight Springer is also pencilled in for the Bradford bill and Khan says the two close friends would love to put the sport back on the map locally.

“We want to bring boxing back to Bradford. We used to have a world champion in Junior Witter but it’s not highlighted as much in the city as it should be.

“You see what Josh is doing with Leeds. Why can’t Bradford be like that?”