Peterborough boxing star Hussain shines on national stage to reach semi-finals

Competing in the 2012 under-44kg division, Hussain stepped into the ring in the red corner representing Pound 4 Pound Boxing Academy, facing Kenzie Phillips of North Star Boxing Club in the blue corner.

There was added tension before the bout, with only one red-corner boxer having won in the previous 18 contests—a statistic that did little to shake Hussain’s confidence.

From the opening bell, Hussain looked assured and in control. In round one, he demonstrated a clear technical edge, keeping his work sharp and simple. Using straight shots effectively, he gauged the distance and gathered early intelligence on Phillips.

Within the first 30 seconds, Hussain had begun to take control, drawing his opponent in and picking him apart with clean, precise combinations.

That dominance continued into round two. Hussain’s ring presence was evident as he stayed disciplined, repeatedly landing well-timed combinations that kept Phillips on the back foot.

His consistency and composure allowed him to dictate the tempo, sticking to a game plan that proved highly effective.

By the third round, Phillips attempted to change tactics, looking to make the bout messy in a bid to turn the tide. However, in trying to close the distance and grapple, he lost his shape—something Hussain exploited with clinical precision.

His backhand landed at will, while a sharp triple jab repeatedly snapped Phillips’ head back, underlining his control of the contest.

It was a polished and mature performance from Hussain, showcasing both skill and ring intelligence. Despite the bout appearing one-sided, the judges returned a narrow 3–2 split decision in favour of Hussain.

While the scoreline did not fully reflect his dominance, it was still a significant result—marking a rare and welcome victory for the red corner on the day.

His victory secures a well-earned semi-final spot and reinforces his growing reputation as one to watch in the competition.