Boxing Champ Fawaz Aims for British Citizenship Amid Home Office Stance
Bilal Fawaz, a UK-based professional boxer who has lived in the nation for over two decades without legal citizenship, faces mounting pressure to secure his passport. His journey is marked by trafficking and abuse at 14 years old, leading him towards boxing as both escape and career choice.
Now 38, he represents England as a light-middleweight and has earned titles including British and Commonwealth champion, despite ongoing issues with his immigration status. This obstacle limits his participation in international events or taking family abroad due to the absence of a passport. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, calls on the UK government to expedite Fawaz's path to citizenship.
Fawaz's long wait: After being trafficked to the UK at 14, he spent years confined and forced into labor before entering state care. He found stability in boxing but is still denied a simple right—British citizenship.