Imran Naeem is a boxing coach based in Natural Progression Boxing Academy, which he owns in Stockton-on-Tees, who is helping to transform Teesside by “getting kids off the streets.”
Originally born in Birmingham, Imran Naeem moved to Billingham where he has now lived for the past 44 years.
Naeem is a nationally recognised boxing coach, having won multiple awards for his contribution to boxing, most recently winning āCoach/Mentor of the Yearā at The Gazette Sports awards in October 2019
He has been interviewed numerous times by IFL TV, the biggest boxing channel on YouTube, whilst also featuring in one of the biggest boxing magazine publications Boxing Monthly, having an article written on him and his gym.
As a coach Naeem has achieved goals that many boxing coaches could only dream of achieving, playing an essential role in leading Teesside local, Josh Leather, to becoming the undefeated IBF (International Boxing Federtation) European Super-Lightweight champion with an impressive record of 13-0, having coached him to victory.
Naeem has since moved on to coach ex Team GB boxer and undefeated rising star Joe Maphosa, describing their relationship he said āJoeā¦ Heās like my little brother.ā
The pair seem unstoppable as they line up for a title shot in the near future.
Whilst explaining his journey into boxing he explained āThe intention was never to become a boxing coachā he said, āit was only to get the kids off the street.ā
Naeem attributes boxing as one of the main factors that kept him out of trouble as a youngster.
Having trained as a boxer in his teenage years, Naeem put his all into studying every aspect of the sport, eventually transitioning into coaching in his adult life where he helps guide the kids in his gym to stay on the right path.
Whilst talking about the ethics and philosophy at his gym, Naeem stated: āHelping them [people who attend his gym] through their condition, helping them through their barriers is something that we pride ourselves on. We wonāt turn anyone away.ā
Listen to the full interview on how Imran Naeem is transforming kids lives through boxing below:
http://https://vimeo.com/382805289
Keep up to date with Imran Naeem:
Facebook –Ā https://www.facebook.com/Natural-Progression-Boxing-Academy-Performance-Centre-119186581435945/
Twitter –Ā https://twitter.com/coachimrannpba
MA Multimedia Public Relations Student.
Q5038142@live.tees.ac.uk