Member Article

JMR Solicitors firm in Manchester helps to change rules surrounding professional boxing

JMR Solicitors toasted victory after a battle which helped British Boxer, Mohammed Ali Zahid, from Rochdale, keep his professional boxing licence, despite being diagnosed with type one diabetes. The Rochdale boxer initially planned to turn professional back in 2015, but BBBofC’s rules at the time meant boxers with type one diabetes were unable to get a license. It was ruled that Ali could keep his licence, in this record-breaking case.

JMR Solicitors went to Cardiff last week, to represent Muhammad Ali and watched on as they saw Ali make history after becoming the first boxer in the country with type one diabetes to be granted a professional licence. The British Boxing Board of Control has its own rules and regulations to become a professional boxer at present. One of which is that individuals with type one diabetes cannot become professional boxers. This has been overturned in JMR client’s case and the BBBofC’s are in the process of reviewing their regulations.

Ali has become the first boxer in the UK with type one diabetes to be granted a professional licence by the British Boxing Board of Control. The 25-year-old is delighted that things are now finally back on track, and he is thankful to those around him who have helped him get to this point.

The fact that JMR Solicitors represented the boxer has meant that individuals in the UK will now be able to apply for their professional boxing licence. We have changed UK regulations which are controlled and governed by the BBBofC. Marium Razzaq, Solicitor and owner of JMR solicitors, says:

“I chose to represent the client as I thought it was discriminatory and unfair for the Board to prejudice individuals with conditions such as diabetes. By having this regulation changed it truly has made history in the world of British Boxing as individuals with diabetes who wish to become professional boxers will now be able to do so.

I feel honoured to be a part of the change in UK Boxing regulations as this really is revolutionary as it is the first time in history that a professional boxing licence has been given to an individual with diabetes.“

After almost three years of perseverance from Ali’s side, he was finally granted his license during a meeting with the board on Wednesday 9th May, as the case provided crucial documentation proving that his state would not disturb his ability to box.

Ali told Manchester Evening News: “We were able to put together a protocol and show the British Boxing Board of Control why I should get my license. “To get the approval at the meeting on Wednesday was amazing, and I’m already excited thinking about my professional career.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by JMR Solicitors .