An Oldham boxer has raised more than £50,000 for a humanitarian charity in memory of his late mother.

Aqib Fiaz, from Lees, started fundraising for the Human Appeal Orphan and Children Fund in April and has exceeded his initial target of £50,000 by raising £53,491 in online donations.

The super-featherweight boxer has now become an ambassador for Human Appeal and has used his professional boxer status to raise funds in the lead up to his next fight at Utilita Arena Sheffield on Saturday (August 6).

Commenting on his fundraising success, Aqib said: “I’ve always been taught success is not based on what you do for yourself, however it is based on what you do for others.

“I would like to thank everyone who supported me raise over £50k for orphans as without them this would not be achieved. All we can do is try our best and leave the rest in God's hands.”

The majority of children and orphans supported by the Human Appeal Orphan and Children Fund have been left disadvantaged by conflict, extreme poverty and natural disasters. The fund covers basic needs, from food and shelter to clothing and education.

Despite being only 22, Aqib, has had an impressive career as an amateur and professional boxer and has a 100 per cent win rate. The Oldhamer has won nine area amateur titles and in 2017 won the Nation Youth Title in amateur boxing.

Aqib went professional in 2019, and in 2020 fought at Manchester Arena.

Speaking ahead of his Manchester Arena appearance back in 2020 Aqib, who was trained by Jamie Moore alongside Carl Frampton, Martin Murray, and others, said: “I’ve been to it all at the Arena.

"Your (Anthony) Crollas, Quiggs, Framptons, (Amir) Khans back in the day. I’ve been to loads. I even used to sneak out to come along to the press conferences.

“That’s what got me into boxing, and I’ve grown up going to the Arena and now to box there it’s a dream come true.”