Amir Iqbal Khan is a British professional boxer, promoter and philanthropist. He is a former unified light-welterweight world champion, having held the WBA title from 2009 to 2012, and the IBF title in 2011. At regional level, he held the Commonwealth lightweight title from 2007 to 2008.
“Boxing is a part of my life, it allows me to leave photography , family and friends. It is my solace.I photographed Amir as part of a commission for the Financial Times Magazine. My relationship to this photograph really isn’t about me but a memory I wanted to keep A young boxer Shyyan who I would spar with at The Peacock Gym told me a story about meeting Amir at a restaurant in Green Street, East London when he was younger, Shyyan even had a photograph. So when this commission came along, I took Shyyan to help me assist on the shoot, both of them remembered each other and also had a little spar. Thats the relationship to this photograph for me – that memory……its more personal – Shyyan and I had both sparred – there is an innate respect that holds in the boxing ring if you like a bond. “- Kalpesh Lathigra
