Promoter Eddie Hearn has publicly criticized the UK government, suggesting they should feel embarrassed that boxing champion Bilal Fawaz remains without a British passport after residing in the country for over two decades. Fawaz, a 38-year-old light-middleweight, was brought to the United Kingdom as a victim of human trafficking at age 14 and has not traveled abroad since.
Despite representing England as an amateur and later rising to become a British and Commonwealth professional champion, Fawaz faces significant restrictions. His current immigration status prevents him from taking his family on holiday or competing in international boxing matches. Hearn expressed disbelief at the situation, questioning why the government has not resolved the matter and urging them to issue the necessary travel documents.
Fawaz’s life story is the subject of the BBC documentary Fighting for Freedom, which details his childhood in Nigeria, his experience with forced labor after being brought to London, and his eventual stability through boxing. After enduring periods of homelessness and detention, he began his professional career at age 33. While he is currently on a 10-year path to settlement, he maintains that the delay has hindered his potential to become a world champion, as he cannot access lucrative opportunities in markets like Saudi Arabia or the United States.
The Home Office has declined to comment on the specifics of his case. Meanwhile, Hearn argues that Fawaz has contributed significantly to the country and deserves the freedom to travel, emphasizing that the current obstacles are unfair to an athlete who has consistently demonstrated resilience and talent.
