Leading the 'fight' against violence towards women – Tasif Khan

Tasif Khan was awarded an Honorary Fellow in December 2021 in recognition of his inspirational success in boxing and his outstanding dedication to supporting his local community. 

Tasif is a Bradford-born professional boxer and three-time super flyweight world champion. Driven by a passion for his sport and a determination to leave a profound legacy, Tasif set up the ‘Tasif Khan Community Boxing Academy’ (TKCBA) to inspire and engage young people through sport and physical activity. The academy adopts a holistic approach to supporting the health and aspirations of young people by working on discipline, self-confidence and other life skills, ultimately showing them a way to follow their dreams and stay on the right path and away from drugs, gangs and crime. 

It is a great pleasure to have the opportunity to work with the University of Bradford on something as important as this campaign. The University has put itself on the map as a leading institution for equality, diversity and inclusion and I hope my input could play a small role supporting this agenda. The University shares my vision of encouraging our local communities to ‘dream, believe and succeed’ and I am proud to be associated with the University as an Honorary Fellow. I look forward to continuing to build on this work together

Tasif Khan, Honorary Fellow

How we work together

With a long history and passion for giving back to the local community, at the start of December 2024, Tasif jumped at the chance to climb back into the ring to deliver a self-defence class for women at the University.  

Organised by the University of Bradford’s Social Justice Society, and held on-campus at Unique Fitness, Tasif delivered the session as part of activities supporting the United Nation’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign.  

Tasif was approached to be involved in the event given his status as a Bradford-born celebrity, role model and community leader, and for the power of his influence over fellow boys and men in encouraging them to become allies against violence towards women. 

The class provided an opportunity for staff, students and members of the public to learn the skills and strategies needed to quickly and efficiently escape from an attack. The session also provided a safe space to have honest discussions about violence against women, and an opportunity to hear about Tasif’s successful career and motivators, including his drive to make boxing accessible and welcoming to all.

You can read more about the women’s self-defence event with Tasif.  

Meeting Tasif was a powerful reminder of how passion, culture, and community can drive meaningful change in the fight for gender equality. The boxing session and talk not only gave individuals the tools to protect themselves physically; it also reinforced the importance of standing up for equality in every aspect of life. Let us celebrate those like Tasif, whose commitment to gender equality and community spirit inspires us all to break barriers and build safer, more inclusive spaces for everyone. 

Rifat Bashir, Equality and Diversity Co-Ordinator

Find out more about the University's Honorary Award Recipient programme.