Arjon Basi's professional boxing debut is shadowed by a profound personal loss. The 25-year-old ticket-seller, whose father died suddenly from a heart attack when he was a teenager, always leaves a chair empty in his corner. 'My dad was my hero,' Basi told Sky Sports, describing the seat as a constant presence. 'I look out there and nod, knowing he's there.' This ritual underscores his deep connection to his father, a figure who pushed him to excel. Basi's path to the ring has been fraught with physical and emotional battles.

After his father's death, he struggled mentally, nearly abandoning the sport. He later suffered career-threatening injuries, including torn tendons and ligaments in both wrists, with doctors predicting he'd never pick up his kids again. 'My whole world came crashing down,' he recalled. A pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening blood clot, nearly ended his life shortly after his return.

Yet, Basi persevered, crediting his family's boxing heritage and the overwhelming support from York Hall crowds for his resilience. He now prepares for his second professional fight at Olympia, carrying the memory of his father and the lessons learned through adversity.