Bantamweight boxer Kash Farooq has surprised fans by abruptly retiring from the sport at the age of 26.
He hung his gloves due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’ after 17 professional bouts, including 16 victories and times as British Bantamweight Champion and WBC International Champion.
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The Scottish supporter of Pakistani origin was last in action in August 2021, scoring a point victory over Luis Gerardo Castillo in the Matchroom’s ‘Fight Camp’ series.
He was also set to face fellow Scotsman Lee McGregor in an eagerly anticipated rematch at some point this year after their controversial first meeting in 2019.
But a statement issued today by the House of Scottish Boxing St Andrews Sporting Club Read: “This will come as a shock but due to unforeseen circumstances, we regret to announce that Kash Farooq is hanging up his gloves and retiring from professional boxing.”
Farooq was also a part of Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing Promotion Company since 2019.
and company spokesperson couple: “Our best wishes are with Kash Farooq who has unfortunately had to retire due to unforeseen circumstances.
“There is no doubt that the world was destined for honour. A brilliant fighter and top man.”
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Farooq will remain in the game but will take on the role of ‘head of talent’ for St Andrews Sporting Club.
The club’s statement continued: “Kash Farooq has always been and will continue to be an integral part of ‘St Andrews Sporting Club’, as we are pleased to announce that he has joined our background as our ‘Head of Talent’. will join the team.
“He has an invaluable wealth of skill and experience that he is ready to give to our stables. Although ‘The Untouchable Kash Farooq’ has retired from being a boxer, we are excited to start this new chapter together.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the British Boxing Board of Control and their support on this matter.
“Their procedures offer protection and prevention from potential harm, in which the health and safety of boxers is of paramount importance at all times.”
The only defeat of Farooq’s career came at the hands of Scottish rival McGregor.
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And the pair were gearing up for a much-awaited all-Scottish rematch this year.
The thrilling debut ended in a heatedly debated split decision victory for McGregor, and the 25-year-old has also reacted to the news of Farooq’s sudden retirement.
McGregor emotionally wrote on Facebook: “I am completely devastated to hear the news that @kashfarooq1 has had to retire from boxing.
“We both helped each other as much as amateurs to engage in one of the best fights ever seen between 2 Scottish fighters from Scotland.
“We were on the verge of changing our lives forever in what was a highly anticipated rematch and it’s heartbreaking that we won’t get the special night we’ve all been waiting for.
“My thoughts are with @kashfarooq1 and his family and I will be in a heartbeat if there is anything I can do to help in the future.
“It was an honor to share the ring with you, I wish you all the best.”
