Blackburn boxing stalwart Yaqoob Hussain MBE is heading to Portugal this month to officiate at the Porto Box Cup, taking more than 50 years of experience in the sport onto the international stage.
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He will travel to Porto on 24 March as part of a wider European tour, where he has been invited to serve as a lead official at several high-profile events over the coming months. The Porto Box Cup is expected to welcome around 1,200 competitors from across the world.
Blackburn with Darwen Council has presented Yaqoob with a commemorative plaque to take with him and showcase the borough abroad.
Yaqoob said: “I am beyond proud and grateful to have been invited to represent my home town and country in Europe. I’m also very thankful to the Council for presenting me with the plaque, which I will be proud to share.”
His boxing career began in 1973, when he first stepped into the ring as a competitor and won 45 of his 60 bouts. He has since gone on to coach, referee and mentor young people through his work with Blackburn with Darwen Police ABC.
Over five decades, he has supported thousands of young people, helping to build confidence, discipline and positive life choices, while also championing opportunities for women and girls in the sport.
His achievements have also been recognised with an MBE in 2011 and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Community Volunteer Awards in 2025.
Leader of the Council Phil Riley said: “Yaqoob is a true ambassador for Blackburn with Darwen. His dedication over more than five decades has had a lasting impact on so many lives. We are incredibly proud to support him as he represents our borough internationally and continues to put Blackburn with Darwen on the map.”
Yaqoob added: “Boxing isn’t something I do – it’s who I am. Amateur boxing is a very controlled sport that teaches discipline, and I am passionate about helping young people reach their full potential.”
