Frank Maloney Boxing: Akaash Bhatia Added To November 7 Wigan Bill

Akaash Bhatia is being tipped to become Britain’s best known Asian boxer. The Sikh warrior faces his toughest test to date when he meets former British title challenger Marc Callaghan at Wigan’s Robin Park Arena on November 7.

Provided he comes through the toughest test of his short professional career, the Harrow hard man will target British featherweight champion Paul Appleby. Bhatia’s, promoter Frank Maloney declared: “The time has come to take the reins off. I believe Akaash could become the best known British Asian sportsman now that we all know Amir Khan is no longer invincible.”

In 2007, Bhatia was named the ‘Most Up and Coming Sports Personality of the Year’ at the prestigious Sony Entertainment Television Asia Sports Personality of the Year Awards. And his stock continued to rise recently when he became the only boxer to be appointed as an ambassador to the Prince’s Youth Trust.

‘Kash the Bash’, 25, is unbeaten in 12 fights and his showdown against Barking’s Callaghan is his fourth contest of 2008. Callaghan has mixed at the highest level.. In his last four fights the former English champ has given problems to Esham Pickering, Rendall Munroe, Martin Lindsay and Paul Hyland.

Maloney added: “This is a big step up in class for Akaash, but I believe this is the right fight at the right time.”

Top of the bill on the Sky Sports televised show is Andy Bell’s British super-flyweight title defence against Bristol southpaw Lee Haskins in a real battle between a pair of little big men.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 0871 226 1508 or by logging on to www.frankmaloney.com