New world champion Shabaz Masoud to return to Wellington with belt as 'inspiration'
New world champion Shabaz Masoud will bring his IBO world title belt to Wellington Boxing Academy's show on Friday night.
Masoud, 28, was crowned world IBO super bantamweight champion after getting the better of Telford rival Liam Davies at a headline show in Birmingham on Saturday night.
The split-decision victory inflicted a first professional defeat on Donnington's Davies in front of a buoyant crowd in a fiercely-competitive contest at bp pulse LIVE Arena.
Undefeated Stoke-based Masoud honed his craft at the Wellington academy where his uncle Mo Fiaz is head coach. Fiaz was in his nephew's corner, alongside head coach Ben Davison to see Masoud claim the biggest win of his professional career.
Now the world champ, who has fought for the club for around 10 years, will bring his strap to inspire the next generation at Wellington's show on Friday evening at The Telford Whitehouse Hotel in Wellington, next to AFC Telford United.
The twice-yearly home show features up to 12 bouts from youngsters aged 11 and 12 to seniors. Former Telford world champion Richie Woodhall, the club's president and TNT pundit for the headline show, will also give a talk.
Woodhall said: "He will have the belt and speak to the boxers and it will be a great inspiration to our lads.
"Shabaz has lots of Telford family and has always boxed for us, he's got many fans and it is great for the area. It's a great venue and will be great for the community."
Doors open at 6pm, with food served from 7pm and boxing under way at 7.45pm. Tickets for the show and dinner are £40 and include a three-course meal. They can be purchased by contacting Mo Fiaz on 07891772259.
