Speedy Freight sponsors local boxing hero Atif Shafiq

Manchester-based Speedy Freight is now sponsoring the former under-16 British Boxing Champion Atif Shafiq, to support his bid to become British Lightweight Champion by the end of 2019.

Rotherham-born Atif, became under-16 champion at just 13 years old and turned professional at 18. He won his recent match at the Magna Centre against Eligio Palacios from Nicaragua in over six rounds, moving his pro-record to 20-2. His next fight, scheduled for 10th May, will feature six rounds with Mexican opponent Arturo Lopez at the Nottingham Arena.

Speedy Freight MD Mike Smith says: “Our business is all about doing what others can’t, ensuring success where others fail. A boxer like Atif epitomises the mixture of strategy and resilience that we bring to our work. Like Atif, we are used to punching well above our weight and constantly aspire to be the best”.

The Speedy Freight sponsorship strengthens an already powerful team around Atif, including his manager Dave Coldwell, a former British boxer and elite boxing trainer; his head coach Haroon Headley, who runs the Heavy Hitters Company, and his assistant manager Dan Murray.

Atif says: “The help and support from Speedy Freight means the world to me as it removes some of the pressure and allows me to focus on my boxing training. The sponsorship has allowed me to cut down on my working hours, so that I can rest at weekends, which will help me to perform at a higher level during weekday training.”