Fight or Byte: Can AI transform the boxing world?
About
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere: it is helping us write social media posts, it is creating our playlists on Spotify, it was recently a fourth judge in a boxing match, and we’re identifying previously unidentified ways it can be used.
Staged in a boxing ring, join Dr Kamran Mahroof, Programme leader for MSc Applied AI and Data Analytics, and an expert line-up of boxing pundits as they present a post-match analysis of some of the most controversial decisions in boxing, before asking you whether you think AI should be the fourth judge and help us to identify other problems that we could use AI to solve.
Following this interactive and engaging debate, you will also have the opportunity to find out about other AI projects that are being delivered at the University of Bradford and to meet and greet world champion boxers.
Introducing our full pundit line-up:
- Jawaid Khaliq MBE is a British-Pakistani former boxer who became the first British Asian World Champion, winning the IBO Welterweight title in 2001 and defending it seven times. He has also claimed multiple regional titles. While boxing, he worked as a taxi driver to support his family and later funded The Jawaid Khaliq Boxing Academy. In 2004 he received an MBE in recognition of his contributions to the community.
- Tasif Khan is a Bradford-born world champion boxer. He is a three-time Superflyweight World Champion with his most recent titles include WBC (World Boxing Commission) Superflyweight Silver WORLD Title and WBO continental Superflyweight championship. Driven by a passion for the 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 University awarded Tasif an Honorary Fellowship in 2021 in recognition of this career and dedication to the community.
- Oleksandr Pohodin is a former amateur boxer and Ukrainian coach, now based in Sheffield. In 2022, following the war in Ukraine, Oleksandr and his family came to the UK and quickly integrated into the local boxing community. He has since completed his 1-star IBA, Level 3 England Coaching Course, BBBoC trainer course, and founded the Pohodin Boxing Academy.
- Mark Baxendale is a criminal defence solicitor by day and boxing coach by night. As a level 1 England boxing coach and member of Sowerby Bridge Boxing Club, Mark and his colleague Jonny Maude are responsible for coaching up-and-coming boxing talent. Under their guidance they currently boast three Yorkshire Champions/Belt holders, all aged 15, including our next boxing pundit, Akeelah Wooding Foster.
- Akeelah Wooding Foster has already started to make an impressive mark in the ring. At only 15 years old, she has impressed in two skills bouts and hopes to have her first competitive fight soon representing Sowerby Bridge Boxing Club. Akeelah is also a talented Rugby League player and plays for Siddal Rugby League Club.
- Dr. Kamran Mahroof, an Associate Professor at the University of Bradford’s School of Management, specialises in the application of AI and advanced technologies across multiple domains, including sports. Leading the MSc Applied Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics program, he combines academic expertise with his enthusiasm for boxing and mixed martial arts. He will be out host for the evenings event.
Bradford 2025:
As a strategic partner of Bradford 2025, this event features as part of the University's own programme of activities, events and research that will contribute to Bradford’s year as the UK’s City of Culture. Find out more about our BD25 programme on our Bradford 2025 partnerships page.