Wahid “The King” Khan, a former boxing champion from Fiji, reflects on his extensive 21-year boxing career that spanned from 1996 to 2016. At 49 years old, he shares insights into his journey as a boxer hailing from a family steeped in the sport; his father was a boxer in the 1960s and 70s, and his uncle, Saiyad Hassan, held the distinction of being a welterweight and middleweight champion in Fiji.
Khan’s foray into boxing began at a young age while he was still in school, often sparring with friends. His formal training started in Navosa, where he faced numerous challenges, including arduous treks through rivers and rugged terrains. Both discipline and determination marked his training regimen, which often included running up to 15 kilometers daily.
His career highlights include a 1996 debut fight that he won in an astonishing 26 seconds, and a hard-fought eight-round bout against Kid Dugu in 2000, which he also won by knockout. Khan had notable fights in New Zealand, Australia, and Japan, achieving a total of 56 wins out of 78 bouts, alongside notable victories in title fights, such as against Ioana Tanapula for the South Pacific Light Middleweight title.
Despite retiring in 2016, Khan made a brief return to boxing for two exhibition matches, where he emphasized the importance of camaraderie, respect, and unity within the sport. He expresses concern about the current trends in boxing, particularly the shift toward more personal rivalry and negativity among fighters. Khan advocates for stricter measures within the Boxing Commission of Fiji, specifically calling for fitness checks for referees to ensure that the sport upholds its integrity.
Outside the ring, Khan is a successful businessman, operating his Quality Hair and Beauty shop in Lautoka for over two decades, and is a dedicated father and grandfather. He acknowledges the drastic increase in financial earnings for boxers today compared to his time, highlighting the growth of the sport in Fiji.
Khan’s story resonates with the ongoing narrative of resilience and mentorship in Fiji’s boxing community, mirroring similar experiences shared by other former boxers who remain involved in cultivating the next generation of fighters. His career represents not just personal achievements but a commitment to the legacy and future of boxing in Fiji.
As boxing continues to evolve in Fiji, there’s an emerging hope that the rich heritage of the sport and the lessons learned from esteemed individuals like Khan will pave the way for future boxing champions to thrive both locally and internationally.
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