The cousin of former world champion Amir Khan will have his first professional fight in Dubai next week, writes Alima Nadeem.

Abdul Khan will be fighting the featherweight bout against Gurjant Singh, hoping to secure his first pro fight win.

The bout is part of the Super Boxing League which will be hosting the Amir Khan Crypto Fight Night at La Perle in Dubai on October 16. SBL’s Bill Dosanjh will make history by being the first promotions organisation to partner with the crypto community.

Khan decided to make the trip to the UAE after speaking to his cousin – the former unified light-welterweight world champion.

“It just came out of Amir and I talking, and we thought it would be good for me to finally get out there,” said the former National Youth ABA Champion.

“Amir told me to come over and get some training in. It was so hot at 40 degrees, completely different to training here, so we trained in the evening.

“It was all set up by him and when the opportunity came around, I took it with both hands.”

Amir also posted on social media about Abdul, writing: “Mashallah kid. Respect to you and your mum.

“#Focus #dedication #discipline. Good luck champ. Be ready for your first fight in Dubai.”

Abdul’s fledgling career will be managed by Amir and his team.

“I’m excited for my first pro fight, to show my skills and what I’m about,” added the 19-year-old.

“I’m expecting nothing but a victory Inshallah.”

Back in England, the Bolton born-and-bred boxer is busy training at Oliver’s Gym in Salford.

He said: “I have waited my whole life for this chance, so I feel so ready for it. This is the start of young Khan’s career and the boxer will also fight and represent Bolton as well.

“I’m just working hard and staying focussed. It’s amazing to be able to represent my town, Bolton, internationally in Dubai.”

Khan will be joining his older cousin this week to train in Dubai ahead of the big night, with the show being aired live on the Fite Trilla App.

He has already spent two weeks training with Amir in August and can’t wait to get back.

The event hopes to showcase how Dubai can lead the block chain technology, where the first ever WBC Crypto belt will be fought for.

Amir has also been teasing his own return to boxing with a fight versus Kel Brook. The two have not yet reached a decision.