Shabir Haidary: 'I thought I was going to die fleeing Afghanistan. I was a lost soul until I found boxing - and I'll bring the world title to Gloucester.'

The fourth episode of The Starting Line podcast, with undefeated professional boxer Shabir Haidary.Shabir fled Afghanistan aged just 12, finding himself in Gloucester in the UK after a harrowing journey in which he admits he thought he’d die numerous times, having witnessed things ‘no child should’, both in Afghanistan and on his long and terrifying journey.At 14, Shabir found boxing, and he hasn’t looked back since. Having won each of his first five professional fights, and with his sixth fight looming, he has his eyes set firmly on a world title.Shabir arrived in the UK not knowing a word of English - or even being able to read or write in his first language - yet he has recently finished a degree, and been granted British citizenship.Follow Shabir on Instagram and Facebook.About The Starting Line PodcastFrom a turbulent childhood marred by domestic violence, addiction and crime to being named the #1 most influential PR person, my journey has been anything but conventional.At 17, I dropped out of school. At 18, I became a father for the first time, and left the chaos of my family council house, determined to rewrite my story and break the cycle so many understandably struggle to.By 30, I was a successful agency owner with a #1 best-selling book. We were working with some of the UK’s leading brands, entrepreneurs and celebrities, building, shaping and protecting reputations, using my influence to raise more than a million pounds for sick children.Hosted by me, Rich Leigh, The Starting Line Podcast is your weekly dose of inspiration, featuring powerful interviews with entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes, philanthropists and more. Together, we explore the themes of curiosity, resilience, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of success, proving that your starting line doesn't define your potential.Join me every Monday as we discuss life's challenges with positivity, perseverance and a touch of silliness.Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more at startinglinepod.com and follow us @startinglineshow on social platforms. Email [email protected] - with guest suggestions or just to say hello.Follow The Starting Line on:InstagramTwitterTikTokFacebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.