Razaq Najib becomes a free agent
English title contender Razaq Najib (11-4, 2KOs) has decided to part ways with trainer Ryan Rhodes after three years of a partnership.
The Sheffield 'Lionheart' reeased the following statement on his social media: "It’s been a hard couple of days for myself to make the decision I have, but I would like to thank Ryan Rhodes for everything he has done as a trainer/manager. I enjoyed the time we spent but boxing is hard just in itself and Ryan himself understands that, but I would like to wish him all the best with his shows and everything that he does. He has been a great man his family have been great to me and I’m leaving knowing I have made great friends. I would like to wish every one at 26RR fitness all the best. I have had a great time and made great memories and great friends.
"It’s time know to think about myself, my options are opened to management/promotional deals and I will be taking my time with stuff as I’ve had a hard 10 weeks of training. My body needs a big rest, if anyone is interested, feel free to drop me a message. It’s a beginning of a new chapter and see what doors are opened.
Rhodes released his own statement: "It’s been a great three years working with Razaq Najib from fighting for the English title, Commonwealth title, EU European title in Spain, to being live on Sky Sports in the MTK Golden Contract tournament.
"We’ve both certainly put the graft in the last few years. It’s such a shame to not continue when we had the Bantamweight British title fight just round the corner. But eventually everything comes to an end.
"From being a fighter myself for 30 years, I’ve had many of set back, upset and amazing nights in boxing , but most of all I learnt you need a great team around you when you are a fighter. So when I turned trainer/manager four years ago, my aim was to provide a good solid team with Mark Willie and Steve Bailey by my side ( I trust these guys with my life) and give my fighters my everything.
"As a fighter you sacrifice many things and dedicate your life to the sport, literally put your life on line!! But once you're in that ring, only you can give it 100 per cent.
"As a trainer/manager you still sacrifice many things in life, working many hours behind the scenes to get your fighters the best opportunities, putting my own family second (I’m blessed that they still continue to support me if I’m being honest) but most importantly having my fighters life in my hands when they fight. Boxing life is tough but I’ll always continue to give it my all.
"I hope we fulfilled our role for you Razaq and just want to wish you lots of luck in your next chapter, stay safe and keep moving that f***ing head!"
The 25-year-old has lost four fights, but all defeats bar one were very razor-thin decisions. His loss to Carlos Ramos (10-1) for vacant EBU-EU featherweight title was a wide points defeat for Najib.
Razaq was due to fight on Saturday, March 7, but the fight fell through at the last minute, causing him to rethink his future in the sport.
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